CastleHilltop castle (hirayamajiro)Next 100 Fine Castles No. 112
What makes this castle distinctive
No stone walls, no keep: Hojo Ujiteru's castle of carved-out moats and earthen ramparts is said to have held off an attack by Takeda Shingen.
Why?
Takiyama Castle was built on hills above the Tama River by combining earthen ramparts, moats, umadashi (fortified gate forecourts) and kuruwa (baileys), and Hachioji City calls it one of the finest hill castles in the Kanto region. In 1569 it was attacked by Takeda Shingen's army, and Ujiteru is said to have directed the defense himself. Its earthwork defenses still survive in the woods, largely intact.[1][4]
The deep cutting and bridge before the main enclosure
Where
Between the main enclosure (honmaru) and the enclosure just before it (Naka-no-maru).
What to look at
The deep trench (horikiri) cut through the ridge and the wooden bridge across it. Look up from the path below to appreciate how deep it is.
Why it's interesting
The national historic site description singles out the traces of a bridge over the deep cutting in front of the main enclosure as a notable feature. Attackers coming along the ridge would be stopped here; drop the bridge, and the way to the main enclosure is cut.[4][5]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideVisible from the walking paths. A wooden bridge spans it today, and you can walk across.
Around the enclosure traditionally called the Ninomaru (second enclosure).
What to look at
The deep dry moats, high earthen ramparts, and the umadashi projecting in front of the gateways.
Why it's interesting
The city describes Takiyama as a castle where ramparts, moats, umadashi and baileys were skillfully arranged. Several umadashi survive around the Ninomaru, and the layout is thought to have split attackers into small groups and funneled them into narrow gateways. It shows how strong a castle could be made with earth alone.[1][5]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideVisible from the paths. Areas off the paths include private land, so stay on the trails.
The Tama River and northern cliffs from the Naka-no-maru
Where
The Naka-no-maru enclosure, where the Continued Top 100 Castles stamp and toilets are also located.
What to look at
The plain along the Tama River through the trees, and the steep cliff on the castle's northeast side.
Why it's interesting
The city explains that the northeast side faces the Tama River with a steep cliff, making an attack from that side extremely difficult. The south was the main approach and the north the rear, and the view makes it easy to see how the castle used the cliff at its back.[1][2][4]
Can you see it?
Visible from outsideOpen to all, though the view is partly blocked by leaves in summer.
At a glance for visitors
Nearest station
15 min walk from Takiyama Joshi-shita bus stop
Climb
Some climbing
Time neededEditors' estimate
Allow about 2 hours to walk from the bus stop to the main enclosure and back while seeing the main earthworks.
Access
Open to visitors
The castle site (Takiyama Park) is free to explore along its trails. Private land lies alongside and within the area, so do not leave the paths. Leave snakes and bees alone, and no fires are allowed. The Continued Top 100 Castles stamp is at the Naka-no-maru plaza, and also at the Kasumi Community Center and the Michi-no-Eki Hachioji Takiyama roadside station.
Takiyama Castle sits on the Kasumi North Hills. To the north is a steep cliff above the Tama River, and to the south lies a flat valley along a small river. Making use of this terrain, the builders put the main approach on the south and the rear on the north, and lined the ridge with the main, second and other enclosures.[1][4]
02
Tradition
Built by the Oishi, expanded by Hojo Ujiteru
The castle is said to have been built in 1521 by Oishi Sadashige. The Oishi family later submitted to the Hojo of Odawara and adopted Hojo Ujiteru, a son of Hojo Ujiyasu. Ujiteru inherited the castle and is said to have greatly expanded it. The castle marked its 500th anniversary in 2021.[1][4][7]
03
Tradition
1569: Takeda Shingen attacks
In 1569 Takeda Shingen's army, on its way to Odawara, attacked Takiyama Castle, and Ujiteru led its defense. The war chronicle Koyo Gunkan tells of Ujiteru directing the fight from atop the Ninomaru gate while Takeda Katsuyori charged three times. How much fighting actually took place, however, is not known.[1]
04
Historical record
The move to Hachioji Castle
Some ten-odd years after the Takeda attack, Ujiteru moved his base to Hachioji Castle. Takiyama fell out of use, but because it was a castle of earthworks, its ramparts, moats and enclosures survived well. The national designation notes that the moats and ramparts keep much of their original form and praises the clever layout that makes use of the terrain.[1][4]
05
Historical record
Historic site and cherry-blossom spot
The site was designated a National Historic Site in 1951. In fiscal 1971 local residents and the city planted cherry trees together, and it is now one of Tokyo's best-known cherry-blossom spots. The castle site is maintained as the Tokyo Metropolitan Takiyama Park (Takiyama Natural Park); it was chosen as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles in 2017 and is part of the Japan Heritage story "Soto Monogatari."[1][2]
Chosen as No. 123 of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles[2][6]
Buildings and remains
The keep today
No keep was built
A warring-states earthwork castle with no keep (listed as none by the Japan Castle Foundation).
The site today
Most of the site is the Tokyo Metropolitan Takiyama Park (Takiyama Natural Park) with walking trails. Ramparts, moats, umadashi and enclosures are well preserved. Private land still borders and lies within the area.
Main buildings
Key facts
Type
Castle
Setting
Hilltop castle (hirayamajiro)built on a low hill rising from the plainEditorial article
Period
Medieval (c.1185–1570s)Editorial article
Keep (tenshu)
No keep was builtthe castle never had a keepEditorial article
Built by
Oishi SadashigeJapan Castle Foundation
Built
1521Japan Castle Foundation
Main lords
Hojo Ujiteru, Oishi Sadashige, Hōjō clan, Ōishi SadahisaJapan Castle Foundation
National Historic Site (Takiyama Castle ruins) (1951); Component of the Japan Heritage story centered on Mt. Takao ("Soto Monogatari") (2020)Editorial article
Selection
Next 100 Fine Castles No. 112Japan Castle Foundation
Visiting
Access
Open to visitors
The castle site (Takiyama Park) is free to explore along its trails. Private land lies alongside and within the area, so do not leave the paths. Leave snakes and bees alone, and no fires are allowed. The Continued Top 100 Castles stamp is at the Naka-no-maru plaza, and also at the Kasumi Community Center and the Michi-no-Eki Hachioji Takiyama roadside station.
Address
Tangi-machi 2- and 3-chome, Takatsuki-machi and Kasumi-machi 1-chome, Hachioji, Tokyo (historic site area)[1]
Checked: 2026-10-03
Nearest stations and how to get there
Takiyama Joshi-shita bus stopBuses from JR Hachioji Station (North Exit) or Keio Hachioji Station bound for Tobuki, Akigawa Station, Tobuki Sports Park entrance, or Summerland
about 15 min walk · Some climbing
About 15 minutes on foot from the bus stop to the castle site, according to Hachioji City's tourism page. The route climbs the hill.[2][1]
Checked: 2026-10-03
By car / parking
From Hachioji IC on the Chuo Expressway, take Route 16 toward Haijima, turn left at the Sairi intersection onto Route 411 (Takiyama Kaido). The city-run Takiyama Tourist Parking Lot near the castle entrance is free with 29 spaces (one reserved for disabled drivers), open 8:00–18:00 (until 16:00 from November 1 to the end of February). Once it closes the gate chain is raised and cars cannot leave. Very crowded in cherry-blossom season.[1][3]
Checked: 2026-10-03
Grounds opening hours
Not confirmed (the parking lot is open 8:00–18:00, until 16:00 from November to February)[3]Checked: 2026-10-03
Time neededEditors' estimate
Allow about 2 hours to walk from the bus stop to the main enclosure and back while seeing the main earthworks.
Steps, slopes and footing
A castle on hills, so the trails go up and down. The city says the park is well kept and easy to walk, ideal for hiking while viewing the remains.[1]
Wheelchairs and strollers
Not confirmed (the parking lot has one space reserved for disabled drivers)[3]Checked: 2026-10-03
In spring it is a famous cherry-blossom spot (Somei-Yoshino and wild cherries) with an annual festival. Wild azaleas bloom around Golden Week (early May).[1][2]
Photography
Not confirmed
Works, closures and restrictions
Areas off the trails include private land and are off-limits. No pre-stamped sheets are available; stamp your own book on site.[2]Checked: 2026-10-03
The mountain castle Ujiteru moved to after Takiyama, one of the Top 100 Japanese Castles and a National Historic Site, with a visitor guidance center (9:00–17:00; closed December 29 – January 3).[8]
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 those who want to see a warring-states castle built of earth rather than stone, anyone interested in the Hojo and Takeda Shingen's campaigns in Kanto, and people who enjoy cherry blossoms and hiking. It pairs well with Hachioji Castle.
What makes it interesting
Don't miss three things: the cutting and bridge in front of the main enclosure, the ramparts, moats and umadashi around the Ninomaru, and the Tama River view from the Naka-no-maru. Looking up at the ramparts from the bottom of a moat shows just how strong an earthwork castle could be.
Before you go
There are no buildings and never was a keep. The trails go up and down, so wear good shoes, and stay on them because private land remains. If driving, mind the parking lot's closing time (16:00 in winter).
Ways to enjoy it
Pick up the city's Takiyama Three Castles map to add nearby Takatsuki and Negoya castles to your walk. Volunteer guides from a local NPO are also available. Cherry season is crowded; in autumn and winter, when the leaves are down, the shapes of the moats and ramparts are easier to see.
Photos
Visitor reviews
Be the first to review
Have you visited this castle? We'd love to hear from you.
Write a review
Open questions
The 1521 founding by Oishi Sadashige follows the Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Japan Castle Foundation; the city says only that it is said to have been built by the Oishi family. Some theories date the castle or Ujiteru's arrival later (Wikipedia, supplementary).
Details of the 1569 battle come only from war chronicles such as the Koyo Gunkan, and the actual scale of the fighting is unknown (Hachioji City).
The national designation places the bridge site "between the honmaru and Senjojiki," but names of the enclosures (such as Naka-no-maru) vary between sources, and many are traditional rather than confirmed.
The explanation that several umadashi survive and were designed to split attackers comes mainly from Wikipedia (supplementary).
Park hours, accessibility, English information and photo rules could not be confirmed.
三つ鱗CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons
