Kinojo Castle Ruins

Kinojo – Iwaya is an ancient mountain fortress in Soja City, Okayama Prefecture. There are walking courses in the surrounding area, so it’s visited not only for sightseeing but also for trekking, and it is designated a National Historic Site. Access by car is recommended, and because Iwaya is located deeper into the mountains beyond the parking lot, it’s best to avoid sightseeing in heels or sandals. Since many visitors come for trekking, you’ll be walking a fairly long distance, so it’s recommended to pay attention to shoes, clothing, and what you carry. It’s easy to overeat while traveling, so this is a great place to move your body, relieve stress, and refresh. The area is surrounded by nature with few tall buildings, so you can look out across the Soja cityscape. Thanks to the calm atmosphere and the refreshing effect of moderate exercise, it’s also known as a power spot. Mountain fortresses are relatively rare in eastern Japan and not something you often hear about, so it’s a spot well worth visiting at least once.