It should be moved 78 meters back to its original spot by the end of this year, according to the Japanese Mainichi daily newspaper.

Photo of Hirosaki Castle, Japan, courtesy Hirosaki Park.

One thousand people split into groups and pulled the tower cart together with ropes slowly.

Built in 1611 inside Hirosaki Park, the castle holds the Tohoku region's only original Edo‑period keep, still standing today.

It draws many visitors because of its feudal design and famous cherry blossoms.