Ruins of Yonago Castle

Ruins of Yonago Castle

The ruins of Yonago Castle are located in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, in Japan's Chūgoku region, and are one of the most famous attractions in Yonago. Especially during spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the site becomes an ocean of pink, attracting large numbers of visitors.

It is said that Yonago Castle was originally a four-story fort built in the 19th year of the Tenshō era (1591) by the Sengoku period warlord Kikkawa Hiroie. Later, in the 6th year of the Keichō era (1601), Nakamura Kazutada, the lord of Hōki Province who came to Yonago from Suruga Province, constructed a five-story tenshu (main keep), making it a true powerhouse of the San'in region. However, in 1632, the Nakamura family fell from power, and Yonago Castle became affiliated with the senior vassals (a position just below the shogun and daimyō during the Edo period) of the Tottori Domain. In the early Meiji period, it was sold at a very low price and subsequently dismantled. Although the current ruins of Yonago Castle consist only of remnants, visitors can still sense its former grandeur from the surviving stonework. Furthermore, the surrounding area has been developed into Sūzan Park, which remains beloved by local residents.

Visitors can climb up the mountain path in Sūzan Park to reach the summit at an altitude of 90 meters. Looking north, you’ll see downtown Yonago and the vast Sea of Japan; to the west is the deep blue Nakaumi Lagoon; and to the east, you can gaze at the elegant and majestic Daisen Mountain — offering a complete 360-degree panoramic view.

Remains of Yonago Castle

Must-visit reason: The most well-known attraction in Yonago City

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia

Country/region where the attraction is located: Japan

Prefecture/state where the attraction is located: Tottori Prefecture

City where the attraction is located: Yonago City