Tottori Castle

Tottori Castle is a Japanese fortification ruin in Kyusho Park, Tottori, where stone walls and moats sit 263 meters (863 feet) above the city below. The complex spreads across several terraces on the hillside, with preserved stone ramparts tracing the original layout of the fort.

In 1587, Hideyoshi Hashiba laid siege by surrounding the site with a 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) ring of troops until Tsuneie Kikkawa surrendered. The fortification changed hands several times before being abandoned in the 19th century, leaving only the stone walls behind.

The name comes from Mount Kyusho, where the fortification stood for centuries and now forms part of a public park. Visitors walk among stone walls and cross old moats, experiencing how defenders once moved through these terraces.

The climb to the ruins takes about 20 to 30 minutes from the park entrance and follows paved paths with some steep sections. Sturdy shoes are helpful because some steps are uneven and can become slippery when wet.

The Tenkyu-maru area features rare spherical stone walls that differ from the typical straight ramparts found at other Japanese fortifications. This building method was used in only a few places across Japan and draws specialists from around the world.

Location: Tottori

Founders: Yamana Suketoyo

Part of: 100 Fine Castles of Japan

Website: https://city.tottori.lg.jp/www/contents/1575443542873

GPS coordinates: 35.50740,134.24000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:35