The main entrance of Murakami Castle was located in the east side of Murakami. Also, the Ichimonji Gate was located at the foot of Mt. Gagyu, where the main bailey of Murakami Castle is located.

After fifteen minutes of walk from the Ichimonji Gate to Mt. Gagyu, you will arrive at the Yotsumon Gate. The Yotsumon Gate is located between the second and the third baileys.

In the middle of the Second Bailey, the Okanemon Gate is located. The slope continues from the Yotsumon Gate to the Main Bailey.

Then, you will see the stone walls on the west side of Murakami Castle. During the Edo Age, the castle tower was located on the stone walls.

The view of the stone walls was very impressive.
When you walk from south to north of Murakami Castle under the stone walls, you will see the view of the Miomote River. The river flows from the valley and into the Japan Sea.

You will arrives at the Main Bailey. The castle tower, located at the Main Bailey, was destroyed by the fire caused by lightning in 1667. The castle tower was not rebuilt, afterwards.

The view from the Main Bailey was spectacular. You will overlook Murakami City and the Japan Sea.

In the Edo Age, the Feudal lords would have looked this scenery every day. When I visited, sun was sinking toward the Japan Sea.

The sea was shining by reflecting the sunlight.

How to get there
From Tokyo, you will take a Jyoetsu Shinkansen to Niigata, then take a local train to Murakami on the JR Hakushin Line. Murakami Castle is located to the east of downtown Murakami and it is approximately thirty minute walk from Murakami Station.

Other Historical Sites near by:
Murakami Downtown
Ruins of Shibata Castle
Ojiya Downtown
Ruins of Kasugayama Castle