Shiroishi Castle is a pleasant day out all year round, whether in the rich red of Autumn or cloaked in the hushed snow of winter. A modern rebuild completed with traditional methods (and absolutely no concrete), in October, the Oni Kajuro Festival reenactment brings the long-peaceful castle to life.

Samurai battle to-and-fro across the grounds, traditional Kyudo archers fill the air, arquebuse deafen audiences and ninjas backflip gratuitously.

It's very enjoyable for young and old, Japanese and foreign alike.