Enjoy a Scenic Ride Through the Sky
The sightseeing lift is located along the route toward Taikodani Inari Shrine and carries visitors to a point near the mountain castle ruins. In the past, reaching the castle required climbing steep mountain paths that also served as part of its natural defenses. Today, visitors can make the ascent much more easily by using the lift.
The lift has a structure similar to those found at ski resorts, but it moves at a gentle pace, allowing passengers to take in the scenery along the way. Looking back during the ride, you can see Tsuwano’s distinctive red-tiled roofs spreading across the valley. Ahead, the gentle slopes of Mount Aonoyama create a beautiful natural backdrop.
The combination of an open-air ride, expansive scenery, and a touch of excitement makes the journey itself part of the sightseeing experience.
Walking from the Lift to the Castle Ruins
After getting off the lift, visitors continue on foot for approximately 20 minutes to reach the main castle ruins. The round trip involves roughly 40 minutes of walking, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Those who prefer a more active experience can skip the lift and climb from the foot of the mountain. The ascent takes approximately 40 minutes and provides a stronger sense of the rugged terrain that once helped protect the castle from attack.
A Trekking Route Through Tsuwano’s Natural Landscape
For visitors who enjoy hiking, a trekking route connects the area around the sightseeing lift, the castle ruins, and Washibara Hachimangu Shrine. The course is approximately 3.3 kilometers long and takes around 90 minutes.
Along the way, you can explore historic castle remains while walking through a forested mountain landscape. The route offers a different experience in every season, with fresh green foliage in spring and colorful leaves in autumn.
Panoramic Views from the “Castle in the Sky”
Tsuwano Castle was built on Mount Reigizan at an elevation of approximately 362 meters. From the summit, visitors can look across the town of Tsuwano, where traditional houses spread along the foothills of Mount Aonoyama and the Tsuwano River winds gently through the valley.
From autumn through winter, morning mist sometimes gathers over the town. When the stone walls appear to rise above the mist while the town disappears beneath it, the castle ruins take on an almost otherworldly appearance. This atmospheric scene is one reason Tsuwano Castle is sometimes described as a “castle in the sky.”
Impressive Stone Walls and Mountain-Castle Design
Although the buildings of Tsuwano Castle no longer survive, many of its massive stone walls remain remarkably well preserved. Their scale and construction demonstrate the sophisticated castle-building techniques of the past.
The main castle area has a distinctive layout extending in three directions, while Oribe-maru Fortification was positioned to the north. The castle made strategic use of the steep mountain terrain and the Tsuwano River, creating a highly effective defensive system.
A Castle with More Than 700 Years of History
Origins in the Kamakura Period
The history of Tsuwano Castle dates back to the Kamakura period. Construction began in 1295, when Yoshimi Yoriyuki started building the castle on Mount Reigizan. It is said to have taken approximately 30 years to complete.
The castle was initially known as Ichimatsumatsu Castle before later being renamed Sanbommatsu Castle. It was used and repeatedly expanded during the Warring States period, remaining under the Yoshimi clan for more than 300 years and 14 generations.
Transformation into an Early Modern Castle
Following the Battle of Sekigahara, Sakazaki Naomori entered the castle in 1601. Major renovations transformed Tsuwano Castle into a more substantial early modern fortress, with extensive stone walls and additional defensive areas such as Oribe-maru.
In 1617, Kamei Masanori became lord of the castle. The Kamei family subsequently ruled Tsuwano for approximately 250 years until the end of the feudal period. During this time, the castle town was also developed, laying the foundations for the historic streetscapes that visitors can see today.
Destruction by Fire and the End of the Castle
In 1686, a lightning strike caused a major fire that destroyed the castle buildings, including the keep. The structures were never rebuilt.
Following the abolition of the feudal domains during the Meiji period, the remaining buildings were dismantled in 1874. Today, the stone walls and other archaeological remains are the principal reminders of the former castle.
A Rare Combination of Medieval and Early Modern Castle Remains
One of the most distinctive features of Tsuwano Castle is the coexistence of elements from both a medieval mountain fortress and an early modern Japanese castle.
The castle’s layout extends approximately 2 kilometers from north to south, and its impressive high stone walls are regarded as among the largest of their kind in Japan. The site provides an opportunity to observe how Japanese mountain castles evolved over centuries.
Highlights Around the Castle
At the summit, the stone walls around the remains of the Honmaru, or main enclosure, are particularly impressive. The stonework around Taiko-maru and the former Hostage Turret is also worth exploring.
At the foot of the mountain, historic structures such as the Babasaki Turret and Monomi Turret have survived, offering further glimpses into Tsuwano’s castle-town history.
Tsuwano itself is home to numerous historic sites, including the former Yorokan Domain School, the former residence of literary figure Mori Ogai, and the former residence of philosopher Nishi Amane. Combining these sites with a visit to the castle ruins provides a deeper understanding of the area’s history and culture.
Access to Tsuwano Castle Ruins Sightseeing Lift
The sightseeing lift is approximately 40 minutes on foot from JR Tsuwano Station, or about 5 minutes by car. The lift ride takes approximately 5 minutes, followed by a walk of around 20 minutes to the main castle ruins.
A free parking area is available near the lift station, making the site convenient for visitors traveling by car.
Experience the History and Scenery of Tsuwano
The Tsuwano Castle Ruins bring together dramatic stone walls, centuries of history, and magnificent mountain scenery. The sightseeing lift adds another dimension to the experience, offering visitors a relaxing aerial journey before they continue on foot toward the historic ruins.
Whether you arrive by lift or choose to hike through the forest, the journey offers opportunities to appreciate both the natural beauty and strategic character of this historic mountain castle.
When visiting Tsuwano, take time to explore this remarkable “castle in the sky” and enjoy the panoramic views, historic stonework, and peaceful mountain landscape that reveal another side of the town’s long history.