Hatagatayama Castle Park (鉢形城公園)

Flow of the course

About this spot

The ruins of Hatagatayama Castle (鉢形城), a renowned warring states fortress that used the Arakawa cliff's steep banks as a natural stronghold, designated as a national historic site. The sprawling earthen walls and moat ruins provide an excellent walking course, and the adjacent Hatagatayama Castle History Museum offers dioramas and videos that clearly illustrate the castle's full picture. The site is also famous for the massive 'Ujikuni Cherry Tree' (氏邦桜), an Edo-higan cherry, that blooms in spring.

Tips

The park is expansive with little shade, so don't forget a hat and drinks. Trails are mostly grass and dirt, making a baby carrier more practical than a stroller. Note that the history museum is typically closed on Mondays, so check in advance.

Best time to visit

Allow just over 1 hour. The afternoon also tends to be relatively unhurried.

Access & map

〒369-1224 Saitama Prefecture, Osato District, Yorii Town, Hatagatayama 2692-2