Kōkokuji Castle

The castle stretches across the southern slopes of Mount Ashitaka with four main enclosures aligned in a straight line from north to south.

In 1487, Ise Shinkuro Moritoki, who later became known as Hojo Soun, received control of the castle after supporting the Imagawa clan succession.

The castle demonstrates traditional Japanese fortification methods with its massive V-shaped dry moat measuring 20 meters in width and steep earthen walls.

Visitors can access the castle ruins by taking a Fujikyu City Bus from JR Numazu Station South Exit to Higashi-Negoya bus stop.

The excavation of the main bailey revealed foundations of two buildings without roof tiles, indicating different construction methods from typical Japanese castles.

Location: Numazu

Part of: Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles

GPS coordinates: 35.14162,138.80716

Latest update: May 11, 2025 09:38