Matsuyama Castle Ruins

sightseeing

The ruins of Matsuyama Castle, once a superb flatland-mountain castle in the Kitamusashi region, have been designated as a prefectural historical site since 1925. In 2008, the ruins of Sugaya yakata (Ranzan Town), which had already been designated as a national historic site, were joined by the ruins of Sugiyama Castle (Ranzan Town) and Kokura Castle (Tokigawa, Ranzan, and Ogawa Town) to form the Hiki Castle Ruins Group, which now is designated as a national historic site. The castle is surrounded by a swampy area formed by the Ichino River, which creates a natural barrier.

Basic Information

Location
298 Kitayoshimi, Yoshimi Town, Hiki-gun
TEL
0493-54-9111
FAX
0493-54-9120

Business hours / Fee

Fee
Free

How to get there

Public transport
From "Higashi Matsuyama Station" on the Tobu-Tojo Line, take the bus bound for "Konosu License Center" and get off at "Hundred Hole Entrance" and walk for 6 minutes.
Car
About 5km from the Higashimatsuyama IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway toward Konosu
Parking
Yoshimi Hyakuana Parking Lot: Free (225 ordinary cars, 3 buses)

Map

Nearby spots

Yoshimi Hundred Caves
Yoshimi Hundred Caves

The Yoshimi Hundred Caves are a mysterious group of horizontally carved rock tombs created at the end of the Kofun period (late 6th to 7th century), and designated a national historic site in 1918. There are 219 holes confirmed in total, and the tombs represent Yoshimi Town with their significance. Each hole is divided into a narrow passage and a burial chamber, and the protected species, luminous moss, also known as goblin gold, can be found growing in the tombs.

Higashimatsuyama Tourism Information Center
Higashimatsuyama Tourism Information Center

This Tourist Information Center is located on the second floor of the Station Building adjacent to Higashimatsuyama Station. Here you can find pamphlets on sightseeing spots and events in the city, walking maps, and more. City mascot character goods and other specialties of the city are also available for purchase. A pamphlet rack is also located in front of the ticket gates of Higashi Matsuyama Station, allowing you to easily grab what you need on your way to the train.

Yakyu Inari Shrine
Yakyu Inari Shrine

It is said that Minamoto no Yorinobu, on his way to defeat Taira no Tadatsune in the Heian period (794-1185), had a dream that a god on a white fox gave him a bow and arrow, aiding his win in the battle, thus spurning him to establish this shrine out of gratitude. Yakyū Inari Shrine is designated as a prefectural cultural property for its gongen-zukuri style, with highly sophisticated carvings inside and out. Known for the god of good harvest, prosperous business and the arts, and most notably as the god of victory, many baseball players visit the shrine to pray due to the shrine being named "Yakyū" (baseball). The peony gardens are at peak bloom alongside wisteria and azaleas during mid-April.

Anraku-ji Temple (Yoshimi Kannon)
Anraku-ji Temple (Yoshimi Kannon)

Anraku-ji Temple is the 11th temple in Bando and has been known as Yoshimi Kannon since ancient times. The main deity of the temple is the Holy Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the deity of compassion, and according to the Yoshimi Kannon Enki, it all started about 1200 years ago when a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva was carved and placed in the rock cave. Every year on June 18, the Kannon is unveiled in the early morning to the public to ward off evil spirits. As a tradition, they also sell special "Yakuwake Dango (literally dumplings to ward off evil)" on this day. Even to this day, on June 18th, the long approach to Anraku-ji Temple is lined with stalls, and the area becomes very crowded from around 2 am to early morning.

Inahoterasu
Inahoterasu

JA Saitama Chuo's Higashi Matsuyama direct sales center "Inahoterasu" is an open building constructed with local wood and natural material. The name was chosen through a contest where locals participated and came with suggestions. Inahoterasu symbolizes how the ears of rice (=inaho) will light up (=terasu) a bright future for people. Here you can find a wide variety of souvenirs from Higashimatsuyama City, such as processed pears and chestnuts, yakitori rice crackers, and other sweets!

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