View the Castle Town from a Historic Castle Site with Towering 'Hitofutamisan-dan' Stonework
About this spot
A hilltop castle built by Mori Tadamasa, the younger brother of Mori Ranmaru, a page to Oda Nobunaga, and numbered among Japan's three greatest hilltop castles. Though the main tower and garrison structures have been lost, the "Hitofutamisan-dan" (123-step) stonework, layered multiple times from the foot to the main enclosure, is breathtaking and still testifies to the scale of the castle, where dozens of garrison structures once stood. On the main enclosure, a rare Bitchu Yagura tower featuring the architectural design of a palace has been reconstructed, with an interior open to visitors. Standing on the castle keep foundation, you can survey the tile-roofed townscape in all directions, and even view the Shio-machi district you'll walk through later that afternoon.
Tips
A municipal parking lot is available near the entrance to Tsuruyama Park (crowded during cherry blossom season). From the ticket office to the main enclosure, stone steps continue to climb, so comfortable shoes are essential. If you plan to make a round trip to the castle keep foundation, allow plenty of time for the ascent.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Early morning, just after the park opens, is less crowded, and the view from the castle keep foundation is particularly refreshing with clear air.
Access & map
〒708-0022 Okayama Prefecture, Tsuyama City, Yamashita 135
Model course featuring this spot
Tsuyama Castle Town Walking Tour: Tsuruyama Park, Shio-machi Historic District, and Hormone Udon
Okayama
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Explore features & model courses
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