Is this Europe? The Charm of Gunma’s Famous Tourist Spot, Lockheart Castle!

Lockheart Castle" is a popular tourist spot that feels like you've wandered into medieval Europe. From girls who dream of becoming princesses to drama filming locations, it serves various purposes. This time, we'll fully introduce the charm of "Lockheart Castle," a destination perfect for girls' trips and couples alike!

About Lockheart Castle

Located along National Route 145 (also known as the Japan Romantic Road), Lockheart Castle is a stone theme park that recreates the atmosphere of a medieval European town. It is well-known as a filming location for various dramas and music videos, as well as a venue for events. The castle itself is an authentic British castle that was relocated to this 100,000-square-meter site.
Within the grounds, in addition to the castle, there is also a faithfully reconstructed chapel that was originally built around the 1800s for the castle's lords. This allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the feeling of being in real Europe. The site also includes a restaurant and souvenir shops, so you can enjoy the medieval European ambiance all day long.

◆ Admission Fees

Adults (junior high school and above): 1,100 yen
Children (4 years old to elementary school): 600 yen
Pets: Free (allowed inside)
There are several discount coupons available for Lockheart Castle. Here are some free options you can use to save money on admission!

Lockheart Castle

Lockheart Castle was originally built in 1829 in Scotland by William Lockhart, an earl from the United Kingdom. Its official name is "Milton Lockhart House", but in Japan, it is fondly known as "Lockheart Castle".
Originally, actor Masahiko Tsugawa planned to use this castle as the main attraction for his "Dream Kingdom Santa Ai Land" project in Hokkaido. He invested in dismantling and importing the castle from the UK. However, due to financial difficulties, the project was abandoned.
The castle, left without a destination, was eventually purchased by a stone company in Gunma Prefecture. It was then reconstructed within the company's "Marble Village" in Takayama Village, Gunma. Notably, this was the first-ever relocation and restoration of a European castle in Japan.
Inside the castle, visitors can enjoy a variety of thematic rooms, such as:
A Princess Experience Room,


A Jewelry Collection,


A Perfume Collection, and


A Santa Museum.


Each room is decorated with Instagram-worthy interiors, making every corner of the castle a perfect spot for photography. The photogenic atmosphere ensures a breathtaking experience for visitors.

Princess Experience

The Princess Experience is a popular activity where visitors can dress up in elegant gowns and take photos with a real castle as the backdrop. It is one of Lockheart Castle's signature attractions. Since actual weddings are held at the castle, the collection of dresses is impressive, with over 500 styles available! Sizes range from 7 to 19, and children’s sizes start from 40 cm, making it a fun experience for girls' trips, couples, and even families.

◆How much does it cost?

Adults: ¥2,500 (60 minutes)

Children: ¥1,500 (60 minutes)

Couples: ¥4,000 (60 minutes)

Accessories (e.g., tiaras): ¥500 (unlimited use)

No reservation is required, and rentals are easy and hassle-free. On weekends and holidays, visitors can also have their photos taken by a professional photographer at no additional cost. The photo session includes 5-6 poses with about 20 shots, and visitors only need to pay for prints or data:
2L-sized print: ¥1,200

A4-sized print: ¥2,400

All digital data (CD-R): ¥6,000

Williams Garden

The European Maze Garden, "Williams Garden," opened in April 2018 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Lockheart Castle. When the castle was originally in England, its grounds featured a stunning English garden and a French-style maze. These were faithfully recreated in the Williams Garden.
The garden is home to various English roses, including roses connected to the British royal family. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by the Lockhart family crest, which was originally part of the castle’s architecture but could not be reattached due to Japanese building regulations. The authenticity and grandeur of the crest are worth seeing in person.

Teddy House

Teddy House is a must-visit for teddy bear enthusiasts. Located in a separate villa, this charming exhibit showcases 200 teddy bears from around the world. While the bears cannot be touched, visitors can view them through bear-shaped windows, creating an adorable and heartwarming experience.

Jewelry Collection

The Jewelry Collection is a must-see for jewelry lovers, showcasing pieces from the 1920s to the present day. The collection includes costume jewelry used by Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as jewelry once worn by Audrey Hepburn. Visitors can also admire a selection of antique perfume bottles, making this exhibit a dream come true for vintage and luxury enthusiasts.

Spring Bell & Lovers’ Fountain

Since Lockheart Castle hosts weddings, it is also known as a romantic destination for couples. Two of its most popular date spots are the Spring Bell and the Lovers’ Fountain.
The Spring Bell is located at the top of a 20-meter tower. It is believed that if a couple rings the bell together, their love will be "locked" forever.


After ringing the bell, couples can tie a heart-shaped wooden plaque (ema) at the Lovers' Fountain. These ema can be purchased at the Heart Bazaar, a shop that recreates a European town setting.

How to Get There

Visitors can reach Lockheart Castle by car or public transportation.
By Car:
16 minutes from Shibukawa-Ikaho IC (Kan-Etsu Expressway)

17 minutes from Showa IC (Kan-Etsu Expressway)

By Train:
Since the castle is far from the nearest train stations, it is recommended to take a bus or taxi from the following stations:
Numata Station (Joetsu Line): 20 minutes by bus

Jomokogen Station (Joetsu Shinkansen): 15 minutes by taxi

Nakanojo Station (Agatsuma Line): 20 minutes by taxi

Lockheart Castle is packed with charming attractions. Whether you want to experience a princess fantasy, strengthen your love as a couple, or enjoy a fun family outing, there are many ways to enjoy the castle. Be sure to explore the medieval European atmosphere with your loved ones!