ABOUT
About this spot
Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a historic castle that served as the base of the Sagara clan for about 700 years, from the Kamakura period to the end of the Edo shogunate. Its solid construction, using the Kuma River and the Munakawa River as natural moats, is a hallmark, and it is ranked among Japan's 100 Famous Castles. The top attraction is the stone wall known as "Musha-gaeshi," built in the late Edo period. An overhanging stone wall incorporating Western-style castle-building techniques, it is known as an extremely rare remnant in Japan. Now maintained as Hitoyoshi Castle Ruins Park, the scenery woven from the beauty of the stone walls and the clear flow of the Kuma River captivates visitors. Cherry blossoms in spring and vivid autumn foliage along the stone walls in fall make it an excellent photo spot through all four seasons. The grounds are spacious, ideal for a quiet solo stroll immersed in history as well as for walking with family or friends while feeling the seasons. A symbol of the Hitoyoshi-Kuma region, where you can feel the romance of history along with the charm of a castle town, it is a classic spot not to be missed when sightseeing in Kumamoto.
Last updated March 26, 2026