Lockheart Castle

Lockheart Castle is Japan’s first “authentic European castle,” relocated and restored from a Scottish castle in Takayama Village, Gunma Prefecture. The castle was originally built in 1829 by the Scottish aristocrat William Lockhart, then moved to Japan over the course of about six years and restored in 1993. In 1988, the structure was transported to Japan via the Trans-Siberian Railway in 30 containers, and this grand project was completed by a total of about 15,000 staff members. A “relay of dreams” between actor Masahiko Tsugawa and the castle’s owner made this miraculous relocation possible.

Attractions and Location
Lockheart Castle stands on a vast site of approximately 100,000 square meters, surrounded by the rich forests and mountains of Gunma, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons. The grounds recreate a medieval European streetscape, with a stone church, an English garden, shops, restaurants, and more scattered throughout, inviting visitors into a world full of foreign charm.
In particular, the English garden called “Williams Garden,” which opened in 2018, blooms with flowers in every season. Bluebells are at their best in March, and English roses reach their peak in June. The sight of flowers and stone buildings in harmony creates the feeling of walking through the European countryside.

Facilities and Exhibitions
The castle features a wide variety of exhibitions and attractions, making it culturally rich as well.
• Jewelry Collection
Costume jewelry from the 1920s to the present is on display. Visitors can admire rare pieces of global significance, including items used by Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as collections once owned by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
• Santa Claus Museum of the World
More than 1,200 Santa Clauses collected by the late Masahiko Tsugawa, the castle’s honorary lord, are on display. This humorous and heartwarming world lets visitors enjoy a Christmas atmosphere year-round.
• Teddy Bear Museum
A charming space lined with teddy bears from around the world, this is a popular spot enjoyed by both children and adults.

Princess Experience
One of Lockheart Castle’s signature popular events is the “Princess Experience.” Visitors can choose their favorite from more than 500 dresses and transform themselves with tiaras and wigs. In the costume room on the castle’s third floor, not only women’s dresses but also men’s tuxedos, children’s costumes, and even outfits for dogs are available (from 500 yen for 60 minutes).
There are many photo spots, including a white marble staircase, the gardens, and a dedicated photo studio. Photos taken in the rococo-style lounge look like scenes from a movie. On sunny days, outdoor photography is also available, and posing against the backdrop of the stone castle offers a special experience that makes you feel like a princess from overseas.

Lockheart Castle as a “Sacred Place for Lovers”
Lockheart Castle is also known as a “sacred place for lovers.”
The “Spring Bell” in the 20-meter bell tower is a romantic spot where it is said that when a couple rings the bell together, their eternal love will be “heart-locked.”
In front of the Spring Bell is also the “Lovers’ Fountain,” said to mark the beginning of a new romance.
There is also a place on the grounds where heart-shaped ema plaques can be hung, allowing visitors to write messages of love. To date, about 3,000 couples have held their weddings here and begun their journeys together in happiness.

Gourmet and Activities
The restaurant on the grounds offers European country-style dishes and local beer. The stone-built interior evokes the countryside of Europe, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel as though you are traveling abroad.
There is also a mystery-solving experience called “Royal Heart Mystery” (1,500 yen per group), which couples and friends can enjoy together, allowing visitors to spend the whole day exploring the grounds.

Pet-Friendly Facility
Lockheart Castle welcomes pets (admission is free for pets). Visitors can stroll through the vast grounds with their dogs, and dog dress-up experiences are also very popular. Walking with your pet along the cobblestone paths, slopes, and gardens surrounded by seasonal flowers makes for a memorable time.

Lockheart Castle is also conveniently accessible, about two hours by car from Tokyo.
This fantastical destination combines nature, history, and culture, offering a wide range of ways to enjoy your visit, including photography, strolling, dining, and hands-on experiences.
Immersed in the extraordinary atmosphere of medieval Europe, Lockheart Castle is a place where everyone can become the protagonist of a fairy tale.