Guide
Located spanning Sakura City and Shisui Town in Chiba Prefecture, the Moto Sakura Castle Ruins is a mountain castle designated as a national historical site. Its most striking feature is its identity as a 'castle of earth.' Unlike many Japanese castles that rely on stone walls, this fortress was built using massive dry moats (karabori) and earthen ramparts (dorui), making it one of the most formidable fortresses in the Kanto region. During the Sengoku period, this area served as the political, economic, and military center for the Chiba clan, a prestigious family in Shimosa Province, who controlled the region for approximately 100 years. Today, the site preserves the sophisticated engineering of the era, with massive dry moats and the remnants of the 'Kuruwa' (inner enclosures) where the lord's residence once stood, all set within a lush, natural landscape.
The history of Moto Sakura Castle dates back to the Bunmei era (1469–1486). The Chiba clan established the castle in this location facing Lake Inba. As warfare intensified in the Kanto region, the Chiba clan moved their base from the former Chiba Castle to Moto Sakura, developing it into a vital political and military hub. In 1590, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Odawara campaign, the Chiba clan fell alongside the Hojo clan, and the castle subsequently came under the control of the Tokugawa clan. This site preserves the turbulent history of the transition from the Sengoku to the Azuchi-Momoyama periods and is officially recognized today as one of the 'Continued 100 Famous Japanese Castles.'
The castle ruins contain various structures that illustrate ancient defensive functions. Key areas to visit include:
The castle ruins offer different charms throughout the seasons. In spring, blooming plum blossoms add a touch of elegance to the historical scenery. As a mountain castle, a walk through the lush greenery of other seasons makes the undulating shapes of the earthen ramparts even more vivid. We recommend visiting during bright daylight hours, as the sunlight makes the depth of the dry moats and the contours of the ramparts much easier to observe and appreciate.
The primary activity here is 'Castle Ruin Trekking.' As you walk along the maintained paths, you can observe the three-dimensional defensive structures and imagine how the Sengoku-era warriors fortified their positions. For enthusiasts, the site is a great place to collect the 'Goshuin' or 'Castle Stamps' (Gojyo-in) associated with the Continued 100 Famous Japanese Castles, providing a tangible connection to history.
The Moto Sakura Castle Ruins is situated in a nature-rich environment. The surrounding areas of Shisui Town and Sakura City feature charming historical streetscapes. After your walk, you can enjoy the local culture and the peaceful atmosphere of the nearby towns.
As this is a mountain castle site, the terrain consists of unpaved paths and many slopes. Sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothing are highly recommended. Please be mindful of your surroundings, as the site is adjacent to private land and agricultural fields; please respect the local residents and avoid entering private property.