Guide
Kushizaki Castle (also known as Yuzan Castle, Chofu Castle, or Chofu Jinya) is a Japanese castle built on a high peninsula overlooking the Kanmon Straits in Miyazaki-cho, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Today, the site is maintained as Sekimidai Park, where visitors can see the remnants of the former fortress, including stone walls and reconstructed castle tower bases (tenshudai), accompanied by informative historical panels. Once a vital strategic point for controlling the straits, it now serves as a peaceful park for locals and tourists alike.
The history of this site is deep, with legends dating back to 940 AD involving the subordinates of Fujiwara no Sumitomo. During the Sengoku period, the castle was built by Naito Takaharu, a high-ranking official of the Ouchi clan. Following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the castle was rebuilt and renamed "Yuzan Castle" by Mori Mototsugu, the first lord of the Chofu Domain. However, due to the "One Castle per Province" edict issued by the Edo Shogunate in 1615, the castle structures were dismantled, and the lord's residence was moved to the adjacent site of the current Toyoura High School. The site also served as a strategic lookout point during the late Edo period, where brass and wooden cannons were stationed to monitor foreign ships.
As a public park, the site offers several fascinating features. Visitors can visually grasp the former scale of the fortress by observing the existing stone walls and the reconstructed castle tower bases. Stone monuments and panels are placed throughout the park to indicate the locations of historical structures, such as the Matsuzaki-guchi (the site of the former Otemon double-tower gate). A unique feature is the "Kujira-kan" (Whale House) site, a structure shaped like a whale located near the Honmaru (inner sanctum) area. Additionally, the large decorative roof tiles (Onigawara) removed during the castle's dismantling are preserved and displayed at the nearby Shimonoseki City Chofu Museum, offering a glimpse into ancient architectural techniques.
Since the site is an open public park, it is accessible year-round. It is especially recommended to visit on a clear day; the high elevation provides a spectacular view of the ships crossing the Kanmon Straits and the distant scenery. Visiting during daylight hours is best for observing the intricate details of the stone walls and the shape of the castle foundations.
Visitors can enjoy a walking tour to learn about the layout and defensive structures of the former castle. As you stroll through the park, you can observe the topography that once made this a strategic stronghold. The park also features several gazebos (azumaya) equipped with tables and chairs, providing perfect spots to rest and soak in the view.
The site shares a unique atmosphere where history meets modern education, as part of the grounds is currently occupied by Yamaguchi Prefectural Toyoura High School. For a deeper understanding of the site, a visit to the Shimonoseki City Chofu Museum is highly recommended, as it houses artifacts related to the castle. Other nearby historical sites include the Kiyosue Jinya.
As this is a public park, no advanced reservations are required. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes (such as sneakers) as you will be walking near stone walls and uneven terrain. While there is no entrance fee for the park, please note that for nearby transportation or dining, cash, credit cards, or transit IC cards are generally accepted. Photography is permitted, but please be respectful of the nearby residential areas and the school grounds. Please be aware that some areas contain stone steps and uneven surfaces, which may require caution for those with limited mobility.