Yamanaka Castle Ruins, Mishima (original) (raw)

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4.5

4.5 of 5 bubbles

120 reviews

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5.0 of 5 bubbles

Nov 2019

Those who know about Japanese history things may understand that many of the castles were built as bases for battle. The Yamanaka Castle was also built for the sake of defending Odawara castle where was the headquarters of Hojo Clan. It is located at the mountain area of Tokaido which was the main path to Sagami area.
When Toyotomi Clan tried to concquer Hojo Clan, Yamanaka castle was the critical base, however, Hojo army could not endure even a day.
As it was the first time for me to visit there, the whole site was very huge and was more than my expectation.
You should prepare sneekers and backpacks because walking around in this ruins is just like hiking. Brief visit takes 1 hour, and if you want to see details you need more than 2 hours.
This ruins of Yamanaka Castle is one of the most impressive mountain castles I've ever visited.
Just imagine the battles were taken place there when you visit.

Written December 11, 2019

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4.0 of 5 bubbles

Nov 2019

I will echo another reviewer's comments that the signage is a bit unclear, but once you figure it out the grounds themselves are spectacular. There are amazing views from the mountainside towards Mt. Fuji and the bay below. The grounds are meticulously maintained. The area was not crowded whatsoever, although we went on a weekday. There are recommended hiking trails posted on the signboard, definitely a good place for a long hike. The area is accessible by city bus, and there are vending machines at the entrance, but I'd recommend packing some snacks and beverages as once you're inside it's relatively spartan.

Written November 24, 2019

David L

Sydney, Australia413 contributions

4.0 of 5 bubbles

Dec 2017 • Couples

The ruins were amazing as one could see how it was designed to defend against attacks. The stunning views and meticulously kept lawns and plants. I will endeavour to come back in spring or summer to feel the luscious vegetation. The downside was poor signage around the entrance (we were scared as we could not find where the returning bus stop was). They were not all that prepared for foreigners either as the information centre was not manned by staff speaking reasonable English.

Written December 11, 2017

4.0 of 5 bubbles

Nov 2017 • Couples

We spent just over an hour at this castle ruin park and it was such a pleasant place with a few spots where you can see Mount Fuji if the weather is clear. Mount Fuji was almost entirely covered by clouds by the time we got here but it was still very nice to walk through this lovely site which has whimsical round hedges, interesting ridges in the moat, and lush lawns. We saw a family having a picnic here and thought that was such a great idea!

There are 2 sides on either side of the main road and the side next to the parking lot is more interesting if you're pressed for time although you won't see Mount Fuji on that side. The entrance to the Hakone Old Hiking trail 箱根旧街道 is on the other side. It's free and not too many people come here, unlike Mishima Skywalk which is 4 minutes back towards Mishima Station by bus. If you want to see both places, it's better to come here second so you are more likely to get a seat on the bus on the way back. The bus stop back is a short walk downhill.

At a booth near the bus stop right by Izuhakone Railway's Mishima Station, you can buy "Mishimaru Ticket" for 900 yen which allows you to take the bus freely in the area (return bus fare to Yamanaka Castle Ruin Park alone is normally 1220 yen). It takes roughly 30 minutes by bus (2 to 3 buses an hour on weekends and just once an hour on weekdays).

Written November 5, 2017

Shiori

Takayama, Japan92 contributions

5.0 of 5 bubbles

Jun 2016 • Solo

This is No.40 of Japan's 100 castle. It was a castle site upon the mountain so just like doing some hiking. You may not find any architecture here but there are different roads which have long history.

Written June 22, 2016

Marika K

Tokyo Prefecture, Japan16 contributions

4.0 of 5 bubbles

Apr 2016 • Solo

This place can be easily reached by taking the bus from Mishima Station. There are many types of fort ruins, each with interesting purposes/ stories behind it and you can even stand in some forts. However, there are no English explanations so it may not be too tourist-friendly for those who don't speak Japanese.

People who enjoy hiking would enjoy this place as well, since there is a lot of walking and wandering around in nature.

Just make sure to bring water because I don't remember seeing a vending machine there. The only place with food/drinks I remember seeing is an udon noodle place right where you get off the bus. (And maybe bug repellent spray if you don't like bugs)

Written May 10, 2016

sahaooon

Kasugai, Japan12,802 contributions

4.0 of 5 bubbles

May 2024 • Couples

This is the ruins of the Hojo clan's castle near Mishima Skywalk. It was said to be a mountain castle with no stones and only dirt, and it was certainly a rarity I had never seen anywhere else. It was cloudy, but the view of Mt. Fuji was also great.

Automatically translated

Written October 6, 2024