Take the Nishi-Nihon JR Bus Keihoku Line and get off at Shumo Yama. A 40-minute walk from there. Alternatively, head north on Tenjin-gawa Street, then north on National Route 162, towards Woody Keihoku, and finally, a 40-minute walk from Jiengan-ji Temple. Parking is available south of Jiengan-ji Temple near the site of the Sasayama-han Shuyama Daikan-sho (local government office). Show route
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Please note that some of the stone walls are currently undergoing preservation work.
Maps with diagrams of the castle grounds are available at the Michi-no-Eki Woody Kyotan and nearby shops, as well as at local tourist information centers.
The climb to the castle keep from the entrance is somewhat steep initially, but it takes approximately 40 minutes to reach the top.
The Shuzenjo Castle ruins are also part of the Kyoto One-Week Trail Kyotan course.
In 1580, Akechi Mitsuhide constructed Shuyama Castle in Keihoku, a crucial crossroads where roads from Wakasa, Tango, and Omi converged. This location was strategically chosen to monitor the flow of people and goods to and from Kyoto.
Shuyama Castle was a large-scale mountain castle built entirely of stone, showcasing the cutting-edge construction techniques of its time. Even today, 15 structures remain, including the ruins of the main keep, the blacksmith's enclosure (Kajiyamar), and the horse riding ground (Umabashiba), offering a glimpse into the castle's past.
Although Shuyama Castle was abandoned just three years after Mitsuhide's involvement in the Honnō-ji Incident (the assassination of Oda Nobunaga), its size and the sophistication of its construction during that short period make it a valuable historical site for understanding the castle building techniques and practices of the era.
From the castle ruins, you can enjoy panoramic views of Keihoku's cityscape and surrounding mountains, allowing you to appreciate Mitsuhide's strategic thinking. The area also features other historical sites and temples associated with Mitsuhide, making it a paradise for history buffs.
In particular, Jiengan-ji Temple at the foot of the mountain is famous for housing a black-lacquered seated statue of Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide is said to have deeply revered this temple, even consulting with the temple's head priest during the castle's construction.
Shuyama Castle Ruins is a tranquil spot surrounded by lush nature, a perfect tourist destination to enjoy both history and nature. We highly recommend a visit!
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