CastleHilltop castle (hirayamajiro)Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 22
What makes this castle distinctive
A Hojo stronghold whose earthen walls were faced with river stones stacked like stairs.
Why?
In the third enclosure (Sannokuruwa), excavated "stone-faced earthen walls" have been restored. River stones were stacked on the face of the earthen rampart in steps of about 1 m at a time. Because there is no packing stone behind them, the technique differs from the stone walls of western Japan, so Yorii Town calls it ishizumi (stone stacking) rather than ishigaki (stone wall). It lets you see with your own eyes how castles were built in the Kanto region during the Warring States period.[2][1]
The third enclosure (said to be the Chichibu-kuruwa), across the moat from the outer enclosure where the museum stands.
What to look at
The stepped rows of river stones on the face of the rampart, and the stairways soldiers are thought to have run up in an emergency.
Why it's interesting
Each course of about 1 m is set back slightly before the next is stacked on top, building the whole rampart higher. With no packing stones behind, it is treated as a separate technique from later Edo-period stone walls and called ishizumi. It was found in excavations from 1998 to 2001 and restored based on those results.[2][1]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideFreely visible in the park (free).
The south side (gate) and north side (pond and pavilion) of the third enclosure.
What to look at
The board-roofed four-legged gate, the simple pond and the small pavilion beside it.
Why it's interesting
From excavated foundation stones and stone steps, the gate was judged to be a shikyakumon (four-legged gate). Because no Warring States buildings survive nearby, its board roof was modeled on the Hosokawa residence shown in the painted screens "Scenes in and around Kyoto," and it is built mostly of Japanese cypress. The pond was simply dug into the ground with small stones scattered on its floor, and it probably held rainwater. It shows that even this frontline castle had a garden.[2]
The main enclosure (said to be the Goten-kuruwa), on the north side of the castle above the right bank of the Arakawa River.
What to look at
The Arakawa River flowing below the cliff, the town of Yorii on the far bank, and a stone carved with a Chinese poem by the novelist Tayama Katai.
Why it's interesting
The heart of the castle sits on cliffs between the Arakawa and Fukasawa rivers, so the rivers themselves served as defenses. Tradition says the lord's residence stood in this main enclosure. There is also a stone carved with a poem that Tayama Katai wrote on his visit in 1918, in the calligraphy of the writer Mushanokoji Saneatsu.[1][3]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideFreely visible in the park. Watch your step near the cliff edge.
At a glance for visitors
Nearest station
25 min walk from Yorii Station
Climb
Some climbing
Time neededEditors' estimate
About 1.5 to 2 hours for the museum and the park's main sights.
Admission
Adults 200 yen (groups 100 yen), students 100 yen (groups 50 yen). Free for those 70 and over, junior high students and younger, and holders of disability certificates. Groups are 20 or more.
Hours
9:30–16:30 (last entry 16:00)
Access
Open to visitors
Hachigata Castle Park is free and closes only when necessary for management. The museum charges admission. The Japan 100 Castles stamp is at the museum reception (9:30–16:00 on open days); when the museum is closed it is kept inside the mailbox to the right of the car park's main entrance.
The core of Hachigata Castle was built on cliffs between the Arakawa and Fukasawa rivers, a natural fortress. The site was also a transport hub, looking out toward Joshu (today's Gunma) and Shinshu (Nagano).[1]
02
Tradition
Said to have been founded by Nagao Kageharu
Hachigata Castle is said to have been built in 1476 by Nagao Kageharu, a retainer of the Yamanouchi Uesugi, who held the post of Kanto deputy (Kanto kanrei). Later Hojo Ujikuni, the fourth son of Hojo Ujiyasu of Odawara, married into the local Fujita family of Fujita Yasukuni, then improved and expanded the castle to its present size.[1]
03
Historical record
Holding the northern Kanto, watching Kai and Shinano
One of the largest castles in the Kanto region, Hachigata was the Hojo's base for ruling the northern Kanto and a key defense against attacks from Kai (Yamanashi) and Shinano (Nagano). Six square umadashi, small fortified enclosures guarding the gates, are thought to have existed, and the town describes these as a hallmark of Hojo castles.[1][4]
04
Historical record
Surrendered in 1590 after a month-long siege
When Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked the Hojo in 1590, Hachigata was surrounded by the northern army led by Maeda Toshiie and Uesugi Kagekatsu. After holding out for more than a month, Hojo Ujikuni surrendered the castle on June 14 in exchange for the lives of his soldiers. Afterward, deputies appointed by Tokugawa Ieyasu governed the area.[1]
05
Historical record
Moats and ramparts still divide the enclosures
No castle buildings survive, but the moats and earthen ramparts remain in good condition, and you can still make out the main enclosure, second enclosure and others they divide. Excavations in the second enclosure found the remains of post-built structures and even a blacksmith's workshop.[1][5]
06
Historical record
From National Historic Site to castle park
The castle ruins became a National Historic Site in 1932. Excavations of the second, third and Sasa enclosures from 1997 to 2001 guided the restoration of an umadashi, moats and ramparts. Hachigata Castle Park opened on October 17, 2004, together with the Hachigata Castle Museum as its guidance center. In 2006 it was named one of Japan's Top 100 Castles.[1][6]
A Warring States castle without a keep (the Japan Castle Foundation's list also shows none).
The site today
The site is Hachigata Castle Park (free), where moats, ramparts, an umadashi, stone-faced ramparts, a gate and a pond have been restored. The Hachigata Castle Museum stands in a corner of the outer enclosure, and park paths lead past the Fukasawa River gorge and patches of dogtooth violets.
Main buildings
Modern reconstruction
Four-legged gate (third enclosure)
Gate type inferred from excavated foundation stones and steps; its design is a conjectural reconstruction modeled on the Hosokawa residence in the "Scenes in and around Kyoto" screens.[2]
Modern reconstruction
Pavilion and pond (third enclosure)
Built on the excavated pond and post-hole remains; the pavilion design is likewise conjectural.[2]
National Historic Site (Hachigata Castle ruins) (1932); Yorii Town Natural Monument (the Edo-higan cherry tree) (2003)Editorial article
Selection
Japan's 100 Fine Castles No. 22Japan Castle Foundation
Visiting
Access
Open to visitors
Hachigata Castle Park is free and closes only when necessary for management. The museum charges admission. The Japan 100 Castles stamp is at the museum reception (9:30–16:00 on open days); when the museum is closed it is kept inside the mailbox to the right of the car park's main entrance.
Yorii StationJR Hachiko Line, Chichibu Railway, Tobu Tojo Line
about 25 min walk · Some climbing
About 25 minutes on foot to the Hachigata Castle Museum. Or take the Eagle Bus from Yorii Station (bound for Washi no Sato) to Hachigatajo Rekishikan-mae, then walk about 5 minutes.[7]
Checked: 2026-10-03
Hours and admission
Hachigata Castle Museum
Hours
9:30–16:30 (last entry 16:00)
Closed
Mondays (or the next day if Monday is a holiday), the day after a national holiday, and the New Year period
Admission
Adults 200 yen (groups 100 yen), students 100 yen (groups 50 yen). Free for those 70 and over, junior high students and younger, and holders of disability certificates. Groups are 20 or more.[8][11]
Checked: 2026-10-03
By car / parking
About 15 minutes (6 km) from the Hanazono IC on the Kan-Etsu Expressway via the Route 140 bypass toward Chichibu and Nagatoro. The museum car park is open 9:00–17:00 on museum open days (capacity and fees not confirmed).[7][8]
Checked: 2026-10-03
Grounds opening hours
The park is free and closes only when necessary for management (no opening hours are stated officially).[1]Checked: 2026-10-03
Time neededEditors' estimate
About 1.5 to 2 hours for the museum and the park's main sights.
Steps, slopes and footing
Paths in the park are mostly unpaved with slopes, and the main enclosure sits on a cliff above the Arakawa.[1]
Wheelchairs and strollers
Not confirmedChecked: 2026-10-03
Toilets and rest
Not confirmed
English signs / audio guide
Not confirmed
Seasons
The Edo-higan cherry, a town Natural Monument 18 m tall and thought to be over 150 years old, blooms from late March to early April. Dogtooth violets flower from late March to late April on the north and west slopes of the ramparts and elsewhere.[10][12]
Photography
Not confirmed
Works, closures and restrictions
The Hachigata Castle Museum hosts the joint exhibition "Ancient Kilns of Saitama" from November 7 to December 20, 2026 (regular admission).[11]Checked: 2026-10-03
Editors' guide
An editorial guide based on sources and confirmed information — not a first-hand visit report.
Who will enjoy it
For visitors who want to walk the defenses of an earthen Warring States castle, with its moats, ramparts and umadashi, rather than see a keep. Anyone interested in the Hojo and the 1590 campaign will enjoy pairing it with Odawara and Hachioji castles.
What makes it interesting
Compare the stone-faced ramparts of the third enclosure with the stone walls of western Japan to see the difference. Also look for the combination of square umadashi and moats, and the terrain of the main enclosure on the cliff above the Arakawa.
Before you go
No original buildings survive; the gate and pavilion are conjectural reconstructions based on excavations. Start at the museum to get a picture of the whole castle. The museum is closed on Mondays and the day after national holidays. Many park paths are unpaved, so wear good walking shoes.
Ways to enjoy it
From late March to early April you can see both the great Edo-higan cherry and the dogtooth violets. The museum's website also has a page on the Hachigata Castle volunteer guides (check details with the museum).
Photos
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Open questions
That Nagao Kageharu built the castle in 1476 is tradition; Yorii Town also says it is "said to" have happened.
Yorii Town calls Hojo Ujikuni the fourth son of Hojo Ujiyasu, but recent research suggests he may have been the fifth (per Wikipedia, a secondary source).
The gate and pavilion are conjectural reconstructions based on a painted screen, since no Warring States buildings survive nearby to serve as models.
The names Chichibu-kuruwa for the north part of the third enclosure and Okanegura (treasury) for the square umadashi are traditional.
Museum parking capacity and fees, toilets, accessibility, English information and photo rules could not be confirmed.
柴錬アワーCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons
