Yonago Castle

at TOTTORI YONAGO

Year of construction: 1467 or later
Master of the castle: Muneyuki Yamana
Remarks: Completed around 1602 by Kazutada Nakamura

The castle was built on Mount Minato, 90 meters above sea level, facing the Lake Nakaumi. From the castle's Honmaru (main castle keep), visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, the Lake Nakaumi, Daisen Mountain, and other ocean and mountain landscapes. The castle still retains defensive facilities such as Nobori-ishigaki (defensive stone walls), a rarity in Japan, throughout the castle.

The best sightseeing routes

Proceed from the ruins of the rice warehouse in Sannomaru (outer part of the castle), which is now a parking lot, to Ninomaru (second bailey). Ninomaru (second bailey) is surrounded by a high stone wall, where one must pass through a square-shaped area called Masugata Koguchi, which is surrounded by a wall. This area is a death zone to hold off the enemy.

After passing around the high stone wall that looks up at the four-story turret (small castle tower) and passing the ruins of the Kurogane Gate, which was once a gate with iron plates, you will arrive at the Honmaru (castle keep). At the time of the castle's construction, the castle tower and four-story turret were built.

Highlights

・Four-story turret platform

The stone wall on which the four-story turret once stood. When the castle was built, the wall was built using the Nozura zumi method (stacking of natural stones), but at the end of the Edo period, it was rebuilt by cutting and shaping stones.
・Virtual reality experience

The castle tower, four-story turret, Kurogane gate, etc., which are not there now, is reproduced in 3D images (App download is required).

Castle town

・Shachihoko (mythical ornament)

When the four-story turret was repaired at the end of the Edo period, the Kashima clan, who paid for the repair, received the shachihoko that was on the four-story turret. The 92-centimeter-high Shachihoko is still standing.
・Teramachi Street

Nine temples of different denominations and architectural styles stand side by side. The surrounding area is a jumble of narrow alleys.
・Machiya (traditional wooden townhouse)

A merchant's house with a vaulted ceiling in the middle room. The main building, courtyard, detached house, and storehouse are located on a site with a narrow frontage and long depth.
・Kamogawa River Cruise

A 50-minute cruise down Kamogawa River, which used to be the outer moat of Yonago Castle, to the Lake Nakaumi and back. 1,500 yen (reservation required)
・ Yonago Machinaka Tourist Information Center (Tourist Guide)

In addition to reserving sightseeing guide tours, the center provides tourist information and sells souvenirs.