The Castle Built on Kameyama Hill
Hamada Castle was established by Furuta Shigeharu, who became the first lord of the Hamada Domain in 1619. Construction began in 1620, and the castle and surrounding castle town were largely completed by 1623.
The castle was built on a hill approximately 67 meters above sea level. The hill came to be known as Kameyama, or “Turtle Mountain,” after the auspicious image of a turtle, and the castle was also known as Kameyama Castle.
The site made clever use of its natural terrain for defense. Matsubara Bay lay to the north, while the Hamada River flowed along the south and west sides, creating natural barriers against potential attacks.
This strategic location allowed the castle to function not only as a military stronghold but also as an administrative center from which the surrounding castle town could be effectively governed.
The Hamada Domain and the Role of the Castle
The Hamada Domain was initially ruled by the Furuta family and was later governed by successive fudai daimyo, including members of the Matsudaira and Honda families. The Matsudaira, also known as the Matsui family, governed the domain for an extended period.
Hamada occupied an important position in the San’in region. It also served as a strategic defensive point facing the Choshu Domain, giving the castle both political and military significance.
As the domain developed, efforts were made to improve the castle town and promote local industries. New farmland was developed, domain-issued paper money was introduced, and regional industries such as Iwami washi paper and tatara ironmaking flourished.
These developments helped Hamada grow into one of the important urban centers of the San’in region.
The Castle Layout and Its Main Features
Hamada Castle was a typical hirayamajiro, or hilltop castle built partly on a low mountain, with a tiered layout centered around the main bailey. The castle included a main bailey, second bailey, third bailey, and an outer fortified area.
The main bailey featured a three-story turret approximately 14 meters high, which served a role similar to that of a traditional castle keep and was one of the castle’s most recognizable structures.
Stone walls surrounded important areas of the castle, combining defensive strength with an imposing appearance. The second bailey contained turret foundations and a gunpowder storehouse, while administrative offices and samurai residences were located in the third bailey.
The castle gates were also carefully designed to slow and confuse attackers. Among them, the Ninomon Gate featured a defensive layout known as a masugata koguchi, an entrance system designed with a right-angled enclosure that made direct attacks more difficult.
The Turmoil of the Late Edo Period
Hamada Castle remained at the heart of the domain for approximately 250 years, but its history came to an end during the political and military turmoil of the final years of the Edo period.
In 1866, during the Second Choshu Expedition, Hamada Domain forces fought against the Choshu Domain and were defeated. Lord Matsudaira Takeakira decided to abandon the castle and ordered it to be burned rather than allow it to fall into enemy hands.
Most of the castle buildings were destroyed in the resulting fire, and the town of Hamada also suffered extensive damage.
Later, the Hamada Earthquake of 1872 caused surviving structures to collapse. Today, stone walls and other archaeological remains are the principal traces of the former castle.
Hamada Castle Ruins Today
Today, the former castle grounds have been developed as Shiroyama Park. Visitors can see the stone walls and terrain around the main, second, and third baileys while walking along the former approach to the castle.
Following the uphill path gives visitors a sense of the castle’s original scale and defensive layout. It is an enjoyable place for a leisurely historical walk as well as for visitors interested in Japanese castle architecture.
The site is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. Cherry trees now grow in the area once occupied by the gunpowder storehouse, and the blossom-filled grounds have become a seasonal favorite among local residents and visitors.
Historic Monuments and Cultural Highlights
Several monuments and historic features add depth to a visit to the castle ruins. Near the entrance is a monument commemorating the history of the Hamada Domain, featuring an inscription by renowned historical novelist Ryotaro Shiba.
A historic gate relocated from a samurai residence in the former Tsuwano Domain also remains on the grounds, providing an example of traditional Japanese architectural craftsmanship.
In the second bailey, visitors can find a statue of Kiguchi Kohei, who became known for his service during the First Sino-Japanese War, as well as a literary monument dedicated to playwright and writer Shimomura Hogetsu.
Together, these monuments allow visitors to explore Hamada’s history from different perspectives, extending beyond the story of the castle itself into the worlds of military history, literature, and regional culture.
Access and Ways to Enjoy the Site
Hamada Castle Ruins are conveniently accessible from central Hamada. From JR Hamada Station, the site is approximately a 20-minute walk. By car, it is about five minutes from Hamada Interchange.
The surrounding area also offers beautiful coastal scenery, hot spring destinations, and cultural attractions. Combining a visit to the castle ruins with these nearby destinations provides an opportunity to experience the history, nature, and culture of Hamada in greater depth.
A Historic Landmark Where Nature and History Meet
Hamada Castle played an important role as the political and administrative center of the Hamada Domain for approximately 250 years and remains an important part of the history of the Iwami region.
Although the castle buildings themselves have disappeared, the surviving stone walls and distinctive terrain offer clues to its former appearance. Walking through the ruins provides an opportunity to imagine the castle town and the people who once lived and worked here.
With cherry blossoms in spring and changing natural scenery throughout the year, Hamada Castle Ruins are also a pleasant place to enjoy a quiet walk and take photographs.
For travelers exploring Hamada, a visit to this historic site offers a chance to step into the history of the Iwami region while enjoying the surrounding nature and cultural heritage.