Guida
Located in Kurose, Mitsushima Town, Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture, the Kaneda Castle Ruins is an ancient mountain fortress designated as a Special Historic Site of Japan. Built around the mid-7th century, this site is a representative example of a 'Korean-style mountain fortress' (Chosun-shiki yamajiro), which served as a frontline defense against the Korean Peninsula. The fortress was skillfully constructed using the steep, natural topography of Mt. Joyama, preserving the ancient defensive systems alongside the surrounding landscape. A standout feature is its sophisticated stone walls (sekirui), which distinguish it from many other ancient mountain castles.
The history of Kaneda Castle dates back to the 667 AD (the 6th year of Emperor Tenji's reign) during the Asuka period. Following the defeat at the Battle of Baekgang, it was established as a vital strategic point to strengthen defense against the Korean Peninsula. Its significance is documented in the 'Nihon Shoki' (Chronicles of Japan), serving as an invaluable historical record of the deployment of 'Sakimori' (frontier guards). While parts of the site were affected by the construction of the Mt. Joyama Artillery Battery during the Meiji era, the precious remains of the ancient structure are still well-preserved today.
The greatest attraction of Kaneda Castle is its stone walls, which stretch approximately 2.8 kilometers in length. Unlike many ancient mountain castles that rely primarily on earthen embankments, Kaneda Castle features stone walls across almost its entire perimeter, showcasing exquisite ancient engineering. The walls vary in height from 2 to 6 meters depending on the terrain. Other notable features include the remains of castle gates (such as the Nino-kado) and 'chi' (protruding structures) designed to enhance defensive capabilities. From the summit of Mt. Joyama (276m), the strategic importance of the site is evident, as the view overlooks the Korean Peninsula.
The site is open year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, offering pleasant weather and beautiful scenery for hiking. In summer, visitors should prepare for heat and sun as there is little shade. For the best experience, aim for a clear, sunny day; the visibility from the summit is excellent, allowing for a magnificent view of the Korean Peninsula.
The primary activity here is trekking through historical ruins. Visitors can follow paths that were once military roads during the Meiji era, walking through the ancient defensive systems while observing the stone walls and gate remains. It is a perfect way to experience the breath of history amidst a lush, natural environment.
Near the ruins, you can find the 'Mt. Joyama Artillery Battery' and 'Mt. Joyama Auxiliary Fortifications,' which represent a different era of defensive technology from the 1900-1901 period. For a deeper historical understanding, we also recommend visiting the 'Nagasaki Prefectural Tsushima Historical and Folklore Museum' in Izuhara Town.
Preparation is essential for a safe visit: