Fujihashi Castle and Nishi-Mino Planetarium is a unique cultural facility located in Ibigawa Town, Gifu Prefecture. As its name suggests, the planetarium is housed inside a building designed to resemble a Japanese castle. Combining advanced equipment that recreates the beauty of the starry sky with exhibits introducing local history, the facility offers an enjoyable and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
The building features a distinctive three-tiered, four-story design modeled after a Japanese castle from the early modern period. Known as a rare example of a “castle planetarium,” it opened in October 1989.
In addition to the planetarium, the facility displays materials and objects related to astronomy and space, as well as historical and cultural exhibits from the former village of Fujihashi.
One of its main attractions is the MEGASTAR-II B planetarium projector, which can reproduce a breathtaking starry sky featuring 10 million stars. The resulting celestial display offers visitors an extraordinary experience of the night sky, with a level of beauty and detail that can surpass what is visible to the naked eye.
Fujihashi Castle and Nishi-Mino Planetarium is designed to resemble a Japanese castle with three tiers and four floors. Behind its traditional exterior, however, lies a modern planetarium equipped with advanced technology.
The facility combines the optical MEGASTAR-II B projector with a digital visual system. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of a star-filled sky and immersive presentations that create the sensation of traveling freely through outer space.
Fujihashi Castle was built in 1989 by the former village of Fujihashi as a planetarium facility. Its castle-style exterior was modeled on the appearance of Hikone Castle, and the building was given the name “Fujihashi Castle.”
The four floors serve different purposes:
First floor: Planetarium.
Second floor: Exhibition room devoted to stars and astronomy.
Third floor: Exhibitions on the history and folk culture of the former village of Fujihashi, including samurai armor.
Fourth floor: Observation room offering views of the surrounding landscape.
According to local tradition, a fort known as Sugihara Fort once stood near Fujihashi Castle. During the Nanboku-cho period (1336–1392), the area was strategically important because it connected Mino Province with Echizen and Omi provinces.
It is said that Nitta Yoshisada, a military leader who supported the Southern Court, built the fort to oppose the Toki clan, which supported the Northern Court. However, the date when the fort was abandoned is unknown, and no visible remains of it have been found at the present site of Fujihashi Castle.
The area is also associated with Sugihara Iemori, also known as Sugihara Rokurozaemon Iemori. His family is remembered as the family of origin of Nene, the lawful wife of the famous warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The Sugihara family played a role in the region’s history, and accounts of a fort associated with the Southern Court have been passed down. However, some inconsistencies remain in the historical accounts concerning when the fort was constructed.
The exhibits cover astronomy, outer space, and the history and folk traditions of the former village of Fujihashi. The collection of samurai armor is particularly notable, offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s historical past.
From the fourth-floor observation room, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful landscape around Ibigawa Town. The combination of historical exhibits, astronomical displays, and scenic surroundings makes the facility a relaxing destination for families and anyone interested in history or space.
On May 30, 2021, Fujihashi Castle and Nishi-Mino Planetarium was featured on the TV Asahi network program Nanikore Chin Hyakkei, which introduces unusual and remarkable sights around Japan. The broadcast brought the facility to the attention of a wider audience and helped increase interest in visiting this distinctive attraction.
The facility is located in Tsurumi, Ibigawa Town, Ibi District, Gifu Prefecture. It can be reached by car or public transportation. Visitors are advised to check the official website in advance for the latest information about opening hours, planetarium screenings, and admission arrangements.
Fujihashi Castle and Nishi-Mino Planetarium offers a memorable combination of castle-inspired architecture, advanced planetarium technology, and regional history. Visitors can explore local cultural exhibits, admire the surrounding scenery, and immerse themselves in a spectacular representation of the starry sky. It is an appealing destination for both children and adults seeking an experience that combines learning, discovery, and relaxation.