Guida
Kushizaki Castle (also known as Yuzan Castle, Chofu Castle, or Chofu Jinya) is a historic Japanese castle situated on a high plateau of a peninsula overlooking the Kanmon Straits in Miyazakicho, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Today, the site is maintained as Sekimidai Park, where visitors can encounter the vestiges of the former fortress through preserved stone walls, a reconstructed castle base (tenshudai), and 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-rooted, with legends dating back as far as 940 AD. During the Sengoku (Warring States) period, the castle was constructed by Naotaka Naito, a high-ranking official of the Ouchi clan. Following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the castle was rebuilt and renamed "Yuzan Castle" by Mōri Hidemoto, the first lord of the Chofu Domain. However, due to the "One Castle per Province" edict issued by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1615, the castle structures were dismantled. The administrative residence was subsequently moved to the site where Toyoura High School stands today. In the late Edo period, the location also served a defensive role as a battery for monitoring foreign vessels, once housing brass and wooden cannons.
As a public park, the site offers several fascinating features. The most prominent are the existing stone walls and the reconstructed castle base, which allow visitors to visually grasp the scale and structure of the former fortress. Stone monuments and information panels, based on historical castle maps, mark significant locations such as the Matsuzaki-guchi (the site of the former Great Gate and double watchtower). Additionally, the "Kujira-kan" (Whale House) ruins, a unique structure shaped like a whale, provides a striking architectural accent to the landscape. For those interested in architectural history, the large decorative roof tiles (Onigawara) removed during the castle's demolition are preserved and displayed at the nearby Shimonoseki City Chofu Museum.
Since the site is an open park, it is accessible in all seasons. It is particularly beautiful on clear days when the view of the ships crossing the Kanmon Straits and the distant scenery is exceptionally vivid. Visiting during daylight hours is recommended to clearly observe the intricate details of the stone walls and the shape of the castle foundations.
Visitors can engage in a historical walk, learning about the layout and defensive-oriented topography of the ancient fortress. The well-maintained paths are perfect for a leisurely stroll to study the details of the masonry. For a moment of relaxation, the park features several gazebos (azumaya) equipped with tables and chairs, providing an ideal spot to rest while soaking in the panoramic views.
The site shares a unique atmosphere where history meets modern life, as part of the grounds is currently occupied by Yamaguchi Prefectural Toyoura High School. To deepen your understanding, a visit to the Shimonoseki City Chofu Museum is highly recommended, as it displays artifacts related to the castle, such as the large decorative tiles. Other historical sites, like the Seimatsu Jinya, are also located in the vicinity.
As a public park, no advanced reservations are required. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes (such as sneakers) to navigate the stone paths and park terrain easily. While entry to the park is free, please note that for any nearby transportation or dining, cash, credit cards, or IC cards are generally accepted. Photography is permitted, but please be respectful of the neighboring residential areas and the school grounds. Note that some areas contain stone steps and uneven surfaces, so please exercise caution when walking.