Guida
Miki Castle (Uenomaru Park) is the site of a former flatland-mountain castle located in Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture. It was once considered one of the three great castles of the Harima region due to its formidable defenses. Today, the area is open to the public as Uenomaru Park, where visitors can see remnants of the castle's structure, such as earthen embankments (earthworks), historical wells, and monuments commemorating the footsteps of the lord Bessho Choji. It is a site of immense historical significance, deeply rooted in the history of fierce sieges during the Sengoku (Warring States) period.
The history of Miki Castle is ancient; some theories suggest a fortification existed here as early as the Meio era (late 15th century). It is most famous for the 'Miki Battle' that began in 1578, involving Hashiba Hideyoshi and Bessho Choji. The battle featured a brutal siege strategy known as 'Miki no Hoshi-goroshi' (the starvation of Miki) by Hideyoshi. This led to a tragic end where Bessho Choji surrendered and his clan faced destruction. This event is recorded as a pivotal moment in the power struggles of the Senguki period. During the Edo period, the castle was ruled by the Iki clan, but the structure was eventually dismantled due to the 'One Castle per Province' edict. Today, the park serves as a vital cultural site, preserving the local history and spirit.
The park is dotted with various ruins that illustrate the castle's original structure. In the Honmaru (inner citadel) area, you can find the remains of the 'Kankan Well,' a deep well that once provided essential water resources for the inhabitants. Near the Honmaru, there is also an Inari Shrine, stone monuments dedicated to the history of Miki Castle, and a statue of Bessho Choji. Near the Nishinomaru (secondary enclosure) ruins, artifacts such as large Bizen-ware jars have been excavated, offering a glimpse into how food was stored during that era. The surrounding topography, including the traces of earthworks and dry moats, provides a clear understanding of the castle's defensive design.
As a public park, it is open for strolls throughout the seasons. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful, offering a peaceful environment for walking amidst changing natural scenery. To deepen your understanding of the era, we recommend visiting the adjacent 'Miki History Museum' or the 'Miki Metalware Museum' to learn more about the lifestyle and culture of the time. Visiting during daylight hours is best for observing the subtle undulations of the terrain and the specific shapes of the historical ruins.
The primary activity is a historical walk through the castle ruins, where you can trace the old terrain and the shapes of the earthen walls. You can visualize the tension of the Sengoku period by standing near the 'Kankan Well' or reading the poetic inscriptions left by Bessho Choji. The park is designed to work in tandem with nearby cultural facilities, allowing for a comprehensive educational experience regarding the region's history.
Adjacent to the park are several cultural institutions, including the Miki City Library, the Miki City Metalware Museum, and the Miki City Horimitsu Art Museum. These facilities showcase the history of Miki and its traditional metalworking culture. A stroll through the park followed by a visit to these museums provides a much richer historical experience. Down the hill, the 'Haradera Shopping Street' offers a glimpse into the daily life of the local community.
While entry to the park is free, please prepare cash or a credit card if you plan to visit nearby facilities or shops.
Basic signage is available, but detailed English support is limited. We recommend checking official information in advance if you require specific details.
No advance reservation is required to enter the park.
As the terrain includes slopes and unpaved paths, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes (such as sneakers). Please also bring water depending on the season.
Photography of the scenery and ruins is permitted. Please be respectful of other visitors while taking photos.
The park contains uneven surfaces and slopes. Please note that movement may be limited for wheelchair users.
Please treat the historical ruins (earthworks, wells, etc.) with care as they are precious cultural assets. We also ask that you take your trash home with you to help maintain the peaceful environment.