Kaminoyama Castle

Kaminoyama Castle is a Japanese castle in the Yamagata Prefecture, positioned in central Kaminoyama. The modern reconstruction holds a museum with exhibits from the area's past, arranged across several floors in the tower.

Takenaga Yoshitada founded the fortress in 1535 to protect the southern territory of the Mogami clan during Japan's civil war era. The structure changed hands multiple times before demolition in the early Meiji period.

The castle grounds feature traditional Japanese architecture and display artifacts that represent the regional heritage of the Yamagata Prefecture.

A short walk or brief taxi ride from JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station brings visitors to the entrance. The museum opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, with closures on select weekdays.

A metal crane sculpture rotates slowly at the entrance, symbolizing fortune and longevity in local tradition. Upper floors provide views across the rooftops of town and toward the mountains that frame the valley.

Location: Kaminoyama

Inception: 1535

Website: http://kaminoyama-castle.info

GPS coordinates: 38.15750,140.27611

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29