Guide
Mihara Castle is a designated national historical site located in Mihara City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Built by the famous daimyo Kobayakawa Takakage, this castle was once called the 'Floating Castle' because it appeared to float upon the sea during high tide. The most striking feature of the site is the seamless fusion of modern transportation and ancient history: the JR San'yo Main Line runs directly through the castle ruins. Visitors can access the Tenshudai (castle platform) via a path connected to the station, offering a unique way to feel the weight of history amidst modern life. As a maritime castle, it was designed with a functional layout to control the Seto Inland Sea.
The history of Mihara Castle began in 1567 (Eiroku 10) when Kobayakawa Takakage began its development. To secure control over the sea routes of the Seto Inland Sea, Takakage established this military stronghold near the mouth of the Numata River. Between 1579 and 1582, the castle was fortified into a powerful fortress, with massive stone walls brought in from Mt. Shintaka. Following Takakage's death, the castle was passed down to the Fukushima and later the Asano clans, serving as a vital stronghold for the Hiroshima domain until the end of the Edo period. While the Meiji Restoration brought changes in land use, the castle's spirit remains visible today through the stone walls and relocated gates scattered throughout the city.
The ruins of Mihara Castle offer several fascinating points of interest. First, the expansive 'Tenshudai' (castle platform) is a must-see; it is said to have been comparable in scale to the platforms of major castles like Edo Castle, and the well-preserved stone walls still stand today. Another significant feature is the 'Funairi Yagura' (boat-entry turret) site, which illustrates the castle's function as a sea-facing fortress. Visitors can also trace the original layout by visiting the 'Honmaru Chumon' (inner gate) stone walls. Additionally, the 'Kobayakawa Takakage Statue' and the relocated castle gates preserved at nearby shrines and temples—such as Itozaki Shrine, Junsho-ji, and Gokuraku-ji—serve as living testaments to the castle's architectural legacy.
Because the castle ruins are directly connected to JR Mihara Station, the site is easily accessible regardless of the season. The area is particularly beautiful when the greenery surrounding the stone walls is lush, providing a serene atmosphere for a stroll. The passage from the station concourse to the Tenshudai is available from early morning until late at night, allowing you to experience the changing-moods of the ruins. During the day, you can observe the intricate details of the stonework, while at night, the lights of the station and the surrounding city create a unique atmosphere where history meets the modern era.
Exploring the Mihara Castle ruins is more than just sightseeing; it is an immersive journey into the scale of Japanese history. Walking along the paths that follow the original castle layout allows you to realize the vastness of the former fortress. A unique cultural activity is visiting the 'Relocated Castle Gates' preserved at local shrines and temples. This provides a deeper understanding of how the castle's components were integrated into the local community after the castle's dismantling. For a visual aid, there are also reconstruction models available near the station to help you visualize the original structure.
The area around Mihara Castle is rich with historical atmosphere. The streets of Mihara still retain the charm of a former castle town, with many local shops and restaurants nearby. Since Mihara has long been a vital transportation hub, the city offers a blend of traditional culture and modern convenience. The proximity to JR Mihara Station makes it easy to explore the surrounding shopping streets and local eateries after your visit.