Shibata Castle Ruins Park

新発田城・新発田城址公園

Shibata Castle, nicknamed the Iris Castle, is recognized as one of Japan's 100 Best Castles.

Affectionately called the Iris Castle, Shibata Castle is considered one of Japan's 100 Best Castles and holds the status of a National Important Cultural Property. The three-story turret, viewed as the main castle tower, flaunts a one-of-a-kind T-shaped roof adorned with three mythical “shachihoko” animal statues, who have the head of a tiger and the body of a fish. The interior is inaccessible, but the exterior is worth seeing alone, with its stunning black and white “namako” patterned walls adding an additional layer of beauty.

The accompanying park promises year-round scenery, including cherry blossoms in spring, irises in early summer, autumn foliage, and snow in winter. The cherry blossom season is particularly enchanting, featuring “bonbori” lanterns and nighttime illuminations, creating a spectacular scene as the blossoms reflect on the moat water.

●Cherry Blossoms: Somei Yoshino: approx. 260, yaezakura: approx. 60
●Light-up Period: Early to mid-April, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm (tentative)
●Food Stalls: Set up only during the Spring Festival

Area: Murakami and Shibata Area

Category: Tourist Facilities History and Culture

General Information

Address	新潟県新発田市大手町6丁目
Directions	●20 min. on foot from Shibata Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line. ●15 min. by car from the Seiro-Shibata IC on the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway.
Car Park	Using Ainess Shibata(アイネスしばた) (free): ●Regular season Cars: 74 Large vehicles: 7 ●Busy season Cars: 166 Large vehicles: 7
Opening Times	Opening Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (April-November, closes 4:30 pm in November) Closed during the winter season from December to March. The castle exterior can still be viewed during the closure period.
Prices	Free admission
Notes	Facilities Open to the Public ●Honmaru Omotemon Gate, Former Ninomaru Sumiyagura (corner turret), Tatsumi Yagura (turret) *The three-story turret is not open to the public.