Seasonal Highlights at Naegi Castle Site
The trails leading up to the site of the main keep provide sweeping panoramas of the Kiso River, Mt. Ena (2,191 m), the Fujimidai Plateau (1,739 m), and extant sections of the historic Nakasendo highway. Each season offers a distinct viewing experience.
In spring, approximately 700 cherry trees bloom in nearby Naegi Sakura Park, covering the mountainside in pink blossoms from early to mid-April. In summer, vibrant greenery stands out against the gray stone of the mountain and the stone ramparts.
Autumn highlights include brilliant foliage in November, and in late autumn, a thick morning mist rolls in from the Kiso River, making the castle appear to be floating on a sea of clouds. Evoking ancient folktales, local residents call it “castle in the mist” (Kasumigajo). On clear winter days, the rocky citadel cuts a bold silhouette against snow-capped Mt. Ena and the mountains of Nagano Prefecture in the distance to the north.