Kaminokuni Katsuyamakan

Overview & Charm

Kaminokuni Katsuyamakan is a medieval Japanese mountain castle (yamajiro) located in Kaminokuni Town, Hiyama District, Hokkaido. It was designated as a National Historic Site in 1977 and was selected as one of the '100 Famous Castles of Japan' in 2017. The site features a large-scale structure utilizing the slopes of Mount Iou, spanning a total area of approximately 20.9 hectares. This location holds significant historical importance, having served as the base or a vital secondary castle for the Kaki clan.

History & Cultural Background

While the exact date of construction is not definitively identified, the founding of Kaminohata Hachiman Shrine at the northern end of the site is said to date back to 1473 (Bunmei 5), leading to an estimated construction period in the late 15th century. Originally the stronghold of the Kaki clan, it became known as 'Waki no Tate' after the clan moved their base to Matsumae Tokuyama-kan in the early 16th century, serving as a secondary castle where members of the clan were stationed. Post-war archaeological surveys have unearthed an immense collection of approximately 70,000 artifacts, including ceramics, metalware, lacquerware, and bone/antler tools from the late 15th to late 16th centuries. Notably, 921 of these items have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

Main Highlights

The greatest attraction is the vast collection of excavated artifacts that provide insight into medieval life and defense. The ceramics and metalware serve as precious materials illustrating the cultural standards of that era. Additionally, the topographical structure utilizing the mid-slope of Mount Iou and the medieval Japanese-style burial mounds (Iou-san Burial Mounds) extending toward the summit are essential elements of the site's historical landscape. The castle ruins, which skillfully utilize the natural terrain, offer clues to the castle-building techniques of the time.

Recommended Seasons & Times

You can explore the historical ruins in any season. Walking through the castle ruins amidst the lush nature of Mount Iou offers a beautiful experience. The scenery changes with the seasons, allowing visitors to enjoy the evolving natural environment. However, as this is a mountain castle site, please be cautious of the ground conditions, which can change depending on the weather and season.

Experiences & Activities

Here, you can immerse yourself in Japanese castle culture and the historical background of the medieval period. It is a place for intellectual exploration, where you can observe the castle's structure and the way it utilized the terrain to understand the lifestyle and defensive mechanisms of the past. Walking through this historical landscape allows you to visualize the former glory of the fortress.

Surrounding Area

Kaminokuni Town is dotted with other historical remains and sites that convey the local history. This site can be integrated into a larger route to explore the rich natural environment and the historical culture of the region.

Essentials: Belongings, Clothing & Etiquette

• Payment: In principle, cash is required for any local facility fees.
• Language: English-language signage and information may be limited.
• Reservations: No prior reservation is required, but it is recommended to check for any ongoing archaeological surveys or local events.
• Clothing: As this is a mountain castle site with sloped terrain, comfortable walking shoes and practical clothing are highly recommended.
• Photography: Photography of the landscape is permitted, but please respect the historical site and surrounding environment.
• Accessibility: Due to the natural mountain terrain, there are many steps and slopes; the site is not suitable for wheelchairs.
• Etiquette: To protect the historical site, entering restricted areas or removing any artifacts is strictly prohibited. Please act with respect for the natural environment.