Shibuya Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Shibuya, Japan.
Shibuya Castle was a medieval fortification built on a strategic hilltop near present-day Shibuya Station, surrounded by natural water springs and defensive moats. The site's layout made use of several water sources to protect the fortified position from attack.
The castle was founded in 1092 by the Shibuya clan of the Chichibu-Taira family and stood for over 400 years. It fell in 1524 during conflicts between the Hojo and Uesugi forces as control of the region changed hands.
The former castle grounds now host the Kinnou Hachiman Shrine, where a single original stone from the medieval fortification remains visible within the shrine precinct. This preserved artifact connects visitors directly to the site's military past while the shrine serves the local community today.
The shrine entrance stands about 5 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station's East Exit and is located up a gentle slope off the main street. The site remains accessible on foot, though wear sturdy shoes since the path climbs uphill.
The medieval fortification relied on natural water sources to create its defensive moats, and traces of this water system remain visible today in the street layout around the shrine. This engineering approach shows how builders adapted the landscape for military purposes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
