kaminoyama-Castle

Kaminoyama Castle (Kaminoyama-jo) was the southernmost castle of the Mogami clan and was once famed as a “notable castle of Ushu.” It was dismantled by the shogunate in 1692, and today only part of the moat and earthen ramparts on the west side of the Honmaru, along with portions of the garden and stone walls, remain. The former castle grounds are now Tsukioka Park and Tsukioka Shrine, and Kaminoyama Castle is also known as “Tsukioka Castle.” The site is a 7-minute walk from JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station, and a large free parking area is available, drawing many visitors year-round. In 1982, a reconstructed castle keep (mock tenshu) was built on the former Ninomaru site and has been used as a local history museum. Inside, panels and videos introduce the history and culture of the Kaminoyama area and notable related figures, making it enjoyable even for visitors new to the region’s history. From the keep on this hilltop, you can enjoy excellent views over the atmospheric hot-spring town and the majestic Zao mountains. Next to the castle is a teahouse called “Kakashi Chaya,” where many people stop to relax after sightseeing.