MiyazakiTravel

A Walk Through a Mountain Castle Ruin Linked to the Shimazu Clan and Traces of the Castle Town

About this spot

Ruins of a mountain castle designated as a national historic site, located on a hilltop in Satsumajiro, Miyazaki. During the Warring States period, it served as a stronghold of the Ito clan, who held sway in Hyuga. Later, samurai of the Shimazu clan served as lords, and during the Edo period, it prospered as the castle town of the Satsumajiro Shimazu clan domain. At the foot of the castle, on the Ninomaru ruins, stands Tsurumatsu Hall (鶴松館), a palatial-style building whose interior is open to the public on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, allowing visitors to glimpse the atmosphere of those bygone days. Walking the paths winding through the wooded castle hill reveals earthworks, sunken roads, and other features distinctive to mountain fortifications. The castle town below retains traces of its former urban layout, making this concluding walk a place to experience the layering of Hyuga's history from ancient mounds to medieval and early-modern castles.

Tips

Tsurumatsu Hall is generally open Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, so on weekdays enjoy the exterior and the castle hill and castle town walks. Mountain trails can become muddy after rain; if sections are overgrown, don't push yourself—the foothills alone offer sufficient atmosphere. Wear sneakers and bring water; be sure to finish your walk before dark.