Tsuwano Castle Ruins - Shimane, Japan
While visiting Tsuwano town and the Taikodani Inari Shrine, adding a stop at Tsuwano Castle Ruins felt like a natural extension. The ruins sit atop a mountain ridge about 200 metres above the town centre. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle later had stone walls added in the 1600s. After the main keep was struck by lightning and burnt down, it was left in ruins, leaving only fragments of stone walls scattered across the mountain.
I had considered taking the chair lift from the bottom of the mountain to the castle, but even with the lift, you still need to walk 15–20 minutes to reach the ruins. Since I was already walking around town, I decided to hike the entire way. The trail was well-paved and winds through dense trees, occasionally passing directly under the chair lift. Informational signs along the path and at the ruins help explain what structures once stood here. Even with only remnants remaining, the castle was impressive, and the views over the town below and the surrounding mountain ranges were breathtaking.
I also discovered signs promoting a VR experience called the “Street Museum” app, which digitally reconstructs the castle for visitors. It’s a clever use of technology, making the site more interactive and engaging for all ages. Part of the trail was blocked off due to landslide risk, but detours allowed me to carefully navigate around the affected area and continue exploring the castle grounds.
One fascinating fact I learned during my visit is that in October and November, under the right weather conditions, Tsuwano Castle Ruins can be enveloped by clouds, creating the illusion of a castle floating in the sky. This phenomenon, known as Unkai, lasts only a few hours after sunrise, so early visits are essential to witness it. While I have seen similar effects near other castles, I have yet to experience it in person at any of them.
After exploring what I believe was the entirety of the castle grounds, I made my way toward the chair lift station to ride back down instead of hiking. Interestingly, tickets are not sold at the top station, but staff radioed down to inform the team below and allowed me to ride, paying for my ticket at the bottom. It seems that most visitors take the chair lift both ways, and hiking up is less common.
I walked back to the station, enjoying the quiet streets of Tsuwano one last time. Before getting on the train, I stopped for a warm bowl of noodles, savoring the moment. Tsuwano may be less visited, but it is full of history and charm, from the castle ruins to the old streets, making it a place worth exploring.
History & Background
Tsuwano Castle (津和野城) was established in the 12th century as a strategic stronghold overlooking the town of Tsuwano. Stone fortifications were added during the early Edo period to strengthen the site. Despite its advantageous location, the castle’s keep was destroyed by lightning and fire, leaving only its stone walls and foundations.
The ruins provide insight into feudal Japanese architecture and the defensive planning of smaller provincial castles. Today, Tsuwano Castle Ruins serve as both a historical site and a hiking destination, with panoramic views of Tsuwano town, the surrounding mountains, and seasonal phenomena like Unkai clouds adding to its allure.
Getting There
Tsuwano Castle Ruins are located in Tsuwano Town, Shimane Prefecture. From Shin-Yamaguchi Station, take a JR limited express train to Tsuwano Station. From the station, the castle and chair lift station are a 10–15 minute walk. Hiking to the ruins is an option for those looking for a scenic trail with views over the town, while the chair lift provides a convenient alternative for descent or ascent.
Route Overview
Distance: 7.73 km out & back (Tsuwano Station)
Total elevation gain: 317 m
Duration: 2 hr 10 min (with breaks 2 hr 54 min)
Difficulty: Intermediate
Peak: Tsuwano Castle Ruins 津和野城跡 363 m
Cost Breakdown
Train: Shin-Yamaguchi Station → Tsuwano Station — ¥2,700
Chair Lift: Tsuwano Castle Ruins chair Lift One Way — ¥400
Food: ¥1,200
