Yonago Castle Ruins - Tottori, Japan
Yonago itself doesn’t have many major sights, but the most prominent landmark overlooking the city is the Yonago Castle Ruins. I had chosen Yonago as a convenient overnight stop while travelling across the region toward Izumo, and with an early start the next morning, it felt essential to visit the ruins before continuing on.
I checked out of my hotel shortly after waking and made my way toward the base of the hill with my backpack. The hike to the top of the ruins takes about fifteen minutes, following stone steps that climb steadily through the tiny hill. While some sections were muddy, the ascent was straightforward and not particularly demanding. Along the way, the remnants of stone walls began to appear, accompanied by signs marking where gates, towers, and other structures once stood.
The castle was originally constructed in the late 15th century and later expanded into a significant fortification controlling the surrounding area. Built atop a hill, it commanded sweeping views of the river below and the surrounding plains. Following the Meiji Restoration, the castle was dismantled in the 1880s, and it is said that much of the timber was repurposed as firewood for local public baths. What remains today are the stone foundations and walls, carefully preserved and clearly labelled to help visitors imagine the former layout.
Reaching the summit, the reward is immediate. From the top, the view opens in all directions: the Sea of Japan to the north, Lake Nakaumi to the west, and Mount Daisen rising to the east. It is easily the best vantage point in Yonago for taking in the surrounding landscape. A small gazebo near the summit offers a place to rest, and it was here that I noticed a sign indicating that the official castle ruins stamp could be obtained at a nearby museum. As someone who enjoys collecting stamps from historical sites, I checked the museum’s opening hours, only to discover it was closed on the day of my visit.
Disappointed but undeterred, I settled in to enjoy the view instead. I later learned that this hilltop is especially popular in spring, when cherry blossoms blanket the area in pink, transforming the ruins into a seasonal highlight. Even without blossoms, the combination of history and scenery makes Yonago Castle Ruins well worth a short stop for anyone passing through the region.
History & Background
Yonago Castle (米子城跡) was constructed in the late Muromachi period and expanded during the early Edo period as a strategic stronghold in western Tottori Prefecture. Its elevated position provided both defensive advantages and clear sightlines across Lake Nakaumi and the Sea of Japan.
Like many Japanese castles, Yonago Castle was dismantled following the Meiji Restoration as feudal structures were decommissioned. Today, the site is preserved as castle ruins, valued for its historical significance and panoramic views rather than reconstructed buildings.
Getting There
Yonago Castle Ruins are accessible from JR Yonago Station, which is served by the JR San’in Main Line with connections from cities such as Matsue and Tottori. From Yonago Station, the castle entrance can be reached on foot in approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The trailhead is located near the base of the hill, from where a short but steady climb leads to the ruins at the summit.
Route Overview
Distance: 1.45 km out & back (Yonago Castle Entrance)
Total elevation gain: 85 m
Duration: 23 min (with breaks 27 min)
Difficulty: Easy
Cost Breakdown
Food: ¥120
