Guide
Located in Hamada City, Shimane Prefecture, the Hamada Castle Ruins are a designated site of the 'Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles.' Built in 1620 by Furuta Shigeharu, the castle served as the political heart of the Hamada Clan for approximately 250 years. Today, the site is maintained as Shiroyama Park, where you can witness the remnants of the former fortress through its striking stone walls and historical displays. To help visitors visualize the past, the site offers reconstructed CG imagery, alongside cultural treasures like 'Goshuin' (castle stamps) and 'Historical Lord Seals' that are highly popular among castle enthusiasts.
Hamada Castle was a vital stronghold during the Edo period. While the first lord, Furuta Shigeharu, established the foundation, the castle saw various successive lords and served as a defensive point for the San'in region. However, the site faced a tragic fate during the Choshu Expedition in 1866, when much of the castle structures were destroyed by retreating forces. Although the original buildings are gone, the enduring stone walls and historical traces remain as a testament to its storied past.
The most impressive feature is the tiered stone walls (ishigaki) stretching from the Honmaru to the Sannomaru areas. These walls showcase the ingenious use of natural topography in castle construction. To deepen your understanding, the site provides digital content such as reconstructed CG, allowing you to visualize the lost architecture. For collectors, the 'Hamada Castle Goshuin' and limited edition 'Historical Lord Seals' are must-have items. These can be purchased at designated locations such as Hamada Gokokujinja Shrine or the Hamada City Tourism Association.
The ruins are accessible 24 hours a day. The most pleasant time to visit is from March to April, when the surrounding environment is particularly beautiful. The site serves as a peaceful park for local residents, making it an ideal spot to observe the changing seasons while exploring the historical layout. Visiting during the quiet early morning or late evening can offer a profound sense of historical atmosphere.
Beyond simple sightseeing, you can engage in the cultural tradition of 'Castle Stamp Collecting' by obtaining unique Goshuin or limited edition seals. Additionally, the use of digital technology like reconstructed CG provides a virtual experience of the lost structures, bridging the gap between the present and the Edo period.
Nearby, you can visit the 'Hamada Castle Museum' to delve deeper into the castle's history. The 'Hamada Gokokujinja Shrine,' a known location for stamp collection, is also in the vicinity. Visiting these sites together will provide a much richer historical exploration.
As the site is a park with uneven terrain and stone steps, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. If you intend to purchase Goshuin or stamps, please ensure you carry cash (Japanese Yen), as these are sold at specific locations like shrines or tourism offices. Please respect the local community, as the area is a public park used by residents.