Lockheart Castle

Set amidst magnificent natural scenery, Lockhart Castle is a historic structure that was relocated from Scotland and meticulously restored. Its picturesque location has made it a popular filming site for movies and television shows.

History of the Castle

1329

Origin of the Lockhart surname. Achievements of his ancestor, Simon Lockhart.

Simon Lockhart, an ancestor of the Lockhart family, is etched in Scottish history as a knight who served King Robert the Bruce, the hero who won Scottish independence and remains one of the most revered figures in Scottish history.

King Robert, who passed away on June 7, 1329, willed that his heart be buried in Palestine, a Christian holy site, and this duty was entrusted to Simon Lockhart, an ancestor of the Lockhart family.

However, encountering the intensifying Crusades, Simon Lockhardt was tasked with bringing King Bruce's heart back to his homeland. Amidst the fierce fighting, he placed the king's heart in a locked box and successfully completed this difficult mission, eventually enshrining it in Melrose Abbey in Scotland.

Since then, a heart surrounded by a key has been added to the Lockhardt family crest, and in honor of his achievement, the family name was permitted to be changed from Lockhardt to Lockhart.

1829

Lockhart Castle was built southwest of Edinburgh, England.

Lockhart Castle was built in 1829, approximately 50 km southwest of Edinburgh.

William Lockhart, who built the castle, also served as a member of the state House of Commons and dean of a faculty at the University of Glasgow. He was a prominent figure who made significant contributions to the region, utilizing the rich mineral resources of his estate to develop industries, which in turn led to the construction of railroads.

Furthermore, his younger brother, John Gibson Lockhart, married the eldest daughter of Walter Scott, a literary giant of 19th-century Britain. As a man of letters himself, after his father-in-law's death, he compiled a seven-volume biography of Walter Scott, establishing himself as one of Britain's three greatest biographers.

1987

A first in Japan: The Lockhart Castle Relocation Project.

Time passed, and in 1987, actor Masahiko Tsugawa planned a major project unprecedented in Japan: to relocate and restore an authentic British castle. Then, in 1988, this grand project began with the commencement of dismantling Lockhart Castle, which Masahiko Tsugawa had purchased with his own money.

During the dismantling work, which took place over seven months starting in April 1988, Lockhart Castle was reduced to approximately 4,000 stone blocks weighing 600 tons each. The blocks were packed into about 30 shipping containers, and with the approval of then-Soviet General Secretary Gorbachev, the main containers traveled via the Trans-Siberian Railway and arrived safely in Japan in December of the same year. The remaining containers were transported directly by cargo ship from Britain. Although still in the form of stone blocks, Lockhart Castle had officially arrived on Japanese soil.

1993

The restoration of Lockhart Castle was completed, a result of a relay of dreams.

After many twists and turns, in 1992, construction began on the restoration of Lockhart Castle within the "Marble Village" in Takayama Village, Gunma Prefecture. A total of 15,000 construction staff were involved in the project.

Finally, on April 6, 1993, after overcoming numerous difficulties, the relocation and restoration of Lockhart Castle was completed.

The realization of the first major project in Japan —the relocation and restoration of an ancient European castle — was made possible through a relay of dreams between Masahiko Tsugawa and Yoshiaki Hirai, the owner of Lockhart Castle.

Facilities - Castle

History Museum - 1F

Explore the history of Lockhart Castle through various documents.
Jewelry Museum - 2F

A permanent exhibition hall featuring jewelry and masterpieces associated with famous actresses.
Santa Museum - 2F

A heartwarming museum featuring 1,100 Santas from around the world.
Gallery & Shop - 2F

A shop inside the castle selling original goods
and souvenirs.
Sherlock Holmes's Room - 2F

Become a great detective in a space inspired by Sherlock Holmes's room.
Princess Experience

How about having photos taken in an elegant dress?
More details

Facilities - Field

Stone Academy

A museum that exhibits dinosaur fossils, minerals, and other artifacts.
Stone Shop

Experience making bracelets using a variety of natural stones.
ROSSA MARIA

A hill of wind and light associated with good fortune, with statue of the Virgin Mary holding a red power stone stands.
Williams Garden

A british garden that focuses on the history of European labyrinthine gardens and the beauty of its flowering trees.
Spring Bell

If you both ring the bell on the top floor and confess your love, your hearts will be locked together forever.
Lover's Fountain

Famous natural spring. The catalyst for new romance for those who have forgotten love or lost their love.
Teddy Bear Museum

A heartwarming museum featuring 200 teddy bears collected from around the world.
Sign Gallery

Valuable scripts used in filming and over 200 autographs are displayed here all in one place.
Late Princess's Rolls-Royce

The Rolls-Royce that Princess Diana rode in during her visit to Japan.

Facilities - Food & Shop

Big Heart

Restaurant
[Opening Hours] 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(Last Order 4:30 PM)
Patricia

Southern European Tea House
[Opening Hours] 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(Last Order 4:30 PM)
English Tearoom

Enjoy authentic black tea, seasonal flavored teas, and more.
[Opening Hours] 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
(Last Order 4:30 PM)
Stone Shop

[Business Hours] 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Heart Bazaar

[Business Hours] 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Gallery & Shop

[Business Hours] 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wonderful Heart

Cafe & Restaurant
[Opening Hours] 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
*Last entry at 4:30 PM