Tsuyama Castle

Tsuyama Castle (Tsuyama-jō), also known as Kakuzan Castle, is a hirayama-style (hilltop) castle located in Tsuyama (formerly Tomata District, later Nishikita District, Mimasaka Province; present-day Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture). It is regarded as one of Japan’s three great hirayama castles. The ruins are designated as a National Historic Site, and Tsuyama City is currently promoting preservation projects, including the reconstruction of wooden structures.

Situated in the center of the Tsuyama Basin, the castle occupied a strategic location. To the east, it was protected by the Miyagawa (a tributary of the Yoshii River) and steep natural cliffs; to the south, the Yoshii River; and to the west, the Itada River. Together, these natural defenses formed the outer perimeter, providing both protection and living space for the castle and castle town.

At its peak, Tsuyama Castle was immense in scale, with 77 turrets within the outer defenses—more than Hiroshima Castle (76) and Himeji Castle (61)—demonstrating its grandeur and importance. However, following the 1873 Castle Abolition Order, the main keep and most of the structures were dismantled, leaving only massive stone walls and foundation stones. Between 2002 and 2006, the Bitchū Turret and parts of the earthen walls were reconstructed, allowing visitors to glimpse the castle’s former appearance. The Tsuyama Local Museum also houses a detailed model of the castle, created based on historical documents and old photographs.

Today, the castle ruins have been developed into Kakuzan Park, renowned as one of Japan’s top cherry blossom viewing spots and listed among the “100 Famous Cherry Blossom Sites of Japan.” Every early April, the Tsuyama Cherry Blossom Festival attracts large crowds, with the blossoms set against the backdrop of the stone walls, making it one of Tsuyama City’s most iconic tourist attractions.