8 Castles in Yamanashi worth your time

Shinpu Castle is a historic flatland castle site, notable for its earthen defenses and brief existence.

What it is

• A Japanese castle site in Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Built starting in 1581 by Takeda Katsuyori.
• Burned down by Takeda Katsuyori in March 1582.
• Designated a National Historic Site in 1973.

What to see

• Fujitake Inari Shrine stands on the former main keep site.
• Features defensive structures like maru-umadashi and mikazuki-bori.
• The castle does not use stone walls, relying on earthworks.

Getting there

• Accessible from Shinpu Station on the Chuo Main Line.

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Explore Iwadono Castle ruins for historical insights and panoramic views, including Mount Fuji.

What it is

• Ruins of a mountain castle in Otsuki City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Former residence of the Oyamada clan, local lords.
• Known for its exceptional strength during the Sengoku period.
• Designated as a Yamanashi Prefectural Historic Site.

What to see

• Mount Iwadono, 634 meters above sea level.
• Kagamiiwa, a 150-meter cliff on the south side.
• Panoramic views of Mount Fuji from the summit.
• A monument to army general Nogi Maresuke on the summit.

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Explore the Takeda clan's historic castle residence, now a shrine, and a top 100 castle site.

What it is

• Former residence of the Takeda clan, shugo of Kai Province.
• Founded in 1519 by Takeda Nobutora.
• Functioned as the provincial capital for over 60 years.
• Now home to Takeda Shrine.

What to see

• Site of Tsutsujigasaki Castle, a National Historic Site.
• Approximately 200 meters east-west and 190 meters north-south.
• Selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles.
• Located on the northern edge of the Kofu Basin.

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Explore 15th-century castle ruins with unique insights into samurai life and gold processing.

What it is

• Remains of a 15th-century Japanese castle.
• Designated a national historic site in 1981.
• Home to the Katsunuma clan, relatives of the Kai Takeda clan.

What to see

• Site of the main enclosure, 90m by 60m.
• Foundations of 23 buildings with cornerstones.
• Excavated water channels and a well.
• Evidence of gold refining and processing.
• Animal remains from the 15th century.

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Explore a medieval samurai mansion ruin with impressive earthworks and ancient artifacts.

What it is

• Site of the Furuya clan residence, a samurai family.
• The Furuya clan served the Kai Takeda clan.
• Archaeological site with artifacts from the 13th to 15th centuries.

What to see

• Irregular square site, approximately 100 meters per side.
• Earthen embankments, 2 to 3 meters high.
• Moat surrounding the earthen embankments.
• Five-ringed pagodas scattered across the site.

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Explore Yogaisan Castle ruins, a historic mountain fortress with Takeda clan ties.

What it is

• A Japanese mountain castle in Kai Province.
• Built as a Tsume-shiro for Tsutsujigasaki Yakata.
• Construction began in 1520 by Takeda Nobutora.
• Designated a National Historic Site in 1991.

What to see

• Castle ruins on the slopes of Yogai-san.
• Stone walls from Bunroku era renovations.
• Kumajo, a branch castle to the east.

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Explore Yato Castle, a mountain castle ruin with unique earthworks and historical significance.

What it is

• A Japanese mountain castle in Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Believed to be the residence of Kiyomitsu.
• Designated as a national historic site in 1993.

What to see

• Circular group of concentric earthworks and moats.
• Remnants of moats and other structures.
• Adjacent Hokuto City Archaeological Museum.

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Maizuru Castle Park is a historic castle ruin, once a strategic point, now a large park.

What it is

• A Japanese castle ruin in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture.
• Also known by the elegant name Maizuru Castle.
• Designated as a National Historic Site.
• Built on Ichiroyama in the Kofu Basin.

What to see

• A tenshudai (castle tower base) is present.
• The castle park covers an area of 6.5 hectares.

Read more about Maizuru Castle Park