Shiroishi: Castle, Historic Residences and Shiroishi Washi

For a stay in Shiroishi, you can choose from three distinct focuses: castle architecture, historic residences and Shiroishi Washi. The three-story tower of Shiroishi Castle is a wooden reconstruction; the former Koseki Residence and the buildings of Sumaruyashiki represent other building periods. Sumaruyashiki also features Shiroishi Washi exhibitions and sales, as well as events about the history of the castle town. Whether you plan your trip mainly around architecture, crafts or a particular event date will affect which visits you plan in advance.

Shiroishi Castle: Wooden Reconstruction and Dimensions

The three-story tower of Shiroishi Castle was reconstructed in March 1995, based on traditional Japanese building methods. As a wooden reconstruction, it is 16.7 meters high, measured from the top of the stone castle wall. The date refers to the rebuilding; the traditional building methods describe its architectural foundations. This distinguishes the date from the construction method, while the measurement specifies its reference point at the stone wall.

Residences and Different Building Periods

The former samurai residence of the Koseki family was built in 1730. It is located on the Sawabata River, north of Shiroishi Castle, on the site of the former outer moat. To understand its context, consider both the year the house was built and its location in relation to the river, castle and former moat. For the tower, the 1995 reconstruction is the main point; for the Koseki Residence, it is the 1730 construction date. This lets you compare two different historical reference points in Shiroishi.

Sumaruyashiki also features buildings with different construction dates. It includes a storehouse and shop building constructed between the mid-Meiji period and the Taishō period, as well as a main house from the Taishō period. A span covering several eras is given for the first building, while one era is given for the main house. Unlike the Koseki Residence, which has a specific construction year, these two buildings are described using time periods of different lengths. If you are interested in architectural history, you can take these differences into account when comparing the buildings.

Shiroishi Washi and Events

Shiroishi Washi is exhibited and sold at Sumaruyashiki throughout the year. Check the current conditions for exhibitions and sales before your trip. Events about the history of the castle town are also held there year-round. For a particular event, check its date. This means exhibitions and sales are a year-round reason to visit, while a specific event is tied to its date.

Getting Around During Your Stay

Shiroishi Castle is about a 15-minute walk from JR Shiroishi Station; walking time may vary depending on the route. The historic one-day walking tour also begins at JR Shiroishi Station. Details about individual shops and access conditions may change, so check them before your visit. For sightseeing around the city, bicycles can be rented at the tourist information centers at Shiroishi Station and Shiroishi-Zao Station, as well as at the Shiroishi Castle History Museum. Check availability and opening hours in advance. If the castle is your main focus, the approximate walking time offers a starting point for planning from the station; for further sightseeing around the city, you can check whether renting a bicycle suits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Sendai, Kinosaki, Miya, Taiwa, Minamisanriku, Ōsaki, Kami District, Matsushima.

For the broader travel overview: Miyagi Prefecture.