ABOUT
About this spot
Yamanaka Castle Ruins in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, are the remains of a mountain castle built by the Odawara Hojo clan in the late Warring States period. The castle's greatest feature is, above all, its distinctive structures called "shoji-bori" and "une-bori." With their partitions inside the moat, they became a hit on social media today as "waffle-like." The spacious grounds, which cleverly use the natural terrain, are now maintained as a park and are ideal not only for history fans but also for those who want to enjoy hiking. From the Nishi-no-maru, a magnificent panoramic view spreads out where, on clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay, making it a superb photo spot. The expressions of each season are also a charm, with cherry blossoms and azaleas in spring and autumn foliage in fall. Why not stroll while imagining the defensive ingenuity of the samurai of the time, enjoying the beauty of this "earthen castle" built only of soil without stone walls? With free parking and a shop, it is also a recommended stop on the way during Mishima and Hakone sightseeing.
Last updated March 29, 2026