<p>The old tenshu (base of the main castle keep) is all that remains of the old fortifications</p>

The old tenshu (base of the main castle keep) is all that remains of the old fortifications (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Autumn at Komoro Castle Ruins

Fall Foliage in rural Nagano

Mandy Bartok Oct 26, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>The old tenshu (base of the main castle keep) is all that remains of the old fortifications</p>

<p>A hazy view over the valley from the edge of the castle grounds</p>

<p>Fall foliage at the Komoro Castle ruins</p>

<p>An artist paints the autumn scene</p>

<p>Red leaves carpet the stairs up to the castle shrine</p>

<p>A small thatched roof rest house on the grounds</p>

<p>A shrine rests in the center of the castle grounds</p>

<p>The restored Sannomon gate</p>

Only stone fortifications and two entrance gates remain at the site of the old Komoro Castle near Ueda in Nagano Prefecture. But the arrival of fall heralds the changing of the cherry trees and maples that carpet the old castle grounds, making this a beautiful place to go for autumn foliage. Along with the old base of the tenshu (castle donjon), a shrine and a small zoo are housed on the grounds. A low-key autumn festival is held at the site from late October to mid-November.

The castle site is just a few minutes' walk west from Komoro Station on the Shinano Railway line that runs from Ueda.

Japan's Top Castles

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.