Yonago Castle, Japanese castle in Yonago, Japan

Yonago Castle is a ruined castle in Yonago, Japan, with stone walls and foundations on the slopes of Mount Minatoyama. The summit holds the honmaru, with the ninomaru and sannomaru below. A massive two-tiered dry-stone retaining wall of dark grey and brown blocks, with grasses growing from the joints, stands on the slope.

Yamana Muneyuki built the first stronghold in 1467, which Kikkawa Hiroie later rebuilt in 1591. The fortress then passed into the administration of the Tottori Domain and remained under their control until the end of feudal rule.

The name Yonago is commonly explained as counting four days forward from a market day, but the castle's own name tradition points to the legend of Okume, a beautiful woman buried alive as a human sacrifice when the stone base kept collapsing. The castle was also called Kume Castle after her, and bon dances in the castle town were suspended for a time.

The ruins lie roughly 20 minutes on foot from Yonago Station, with a parking area at San-no-Maru for drivers. The climb passes through wooded terrain and can become slippery after rain, so sturdy shoes are worthwhile.

In February and October, visitors can watch a rare natural event when the sun sets directly behind Mount Daisen and creates a bright beam of light. This moment is called Diamond Daisen and draws photographers hoping for clear skies.