Is Gujo Hachiman Castle an original structure?

No, the current castle is a reconstruction completed in 1933, making it Japan's oldest wooden reconstruction castle. The original was built in 1559 by Endo Morikazu and demolished during the Meiji period. The reconstruction follows traditional architectural methods and preserves the authentic feudal-era design.

How difficult is the climb to the castle?

The walk from town takes 15-20 minutes on a paved uphill path. Inside, the staircases between the four floors are steep and narrow, following traditional castle design. Visitors need moderate fitness and may find it challenging with mobility limitations.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring (late March to early April) for cherry blossoms and autumn (late October to November) for foliage offer the most scenic views. The castle closes from mid-December through mid-March due to snow, making winter visits impossible. Summer provides clear mountain views.

Can I visit both the castle and the historic town in one day?

Yes, the castle visit takes 1-2 hours including the walk. The compact town below can be explored in 2-4 hours, making both locations feasible within 4-6 hours total. This works well as a day trip from Nagoya or Takayama.

What facilities are available at the castle?

The castle has basic restrooms at the entrance but no restaurants or visitor centers. Vending machines are limited. Visitors should bring water and plan meals in the town below, which has restaurants, tourist information centers, and shops.

Gujo Hachiman Castle - Trip To Japan

Gujo Hachiman Castle stands atop Mount Hachiman at an elevation of 354 meters, overlooking the historic castle town of Gujo Hachiman in Gifu Prefecture. Originally constructed in 1559 by Endo Morikazu, the castle served as a strategic stronghold during Japan's feudal era. The current structure is a reconstruction completed in 1933, making it Japan's oldest wooden reconstruction castle. Despite being a replica, it maintains the architectural authenticity of the original design and earned recognition as one of Japan's most beautiful mountain castles.

The castle's four-story wooden keep embodies traditional Japanese castle architecture from the Muromachi period. Its white walls and sweeping rooflines create a striking silhouette against the surrounding mountains, particularly photogenic during cherry blossom season in spring and when autumn foliage blankets the hillside. The castle's elevated position provides panoramic views of the Nagara River valley and the preserved Edo-period townscape below, where historic merchant houses and waterways have earned the town the nickname "Little Kyoto of Gifu."

Inside the castle, visitors can explore exhibits detailing the region's samurai history and the castle's role in feudal conflicts. The steep wooden staircases between floors preserve the authentic castle experience, though they require moderate physical fitness to navigate. The top floor observation deck offers 360-degree views of the surrounding Hachiman basin and mountain ranges. The grounds surrounding the castle feature walking paths through pine forests, with interpretive signs explaining the defensive features and historical significance of the site.

Gujo Hachiman Castle is accessible via the Nagaragawa Railway from Mino-Ota Station, taking approximately 40 minutes to Gujo-Hachiman Station. From the station, the castle is a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride. Alternatively, highway buses run from Nagoya, taking roughly 90 minutes. The climb from the town to the castle takes about 15-20 minutes on foot via a paved path through the forest. Admission costs ¥320 for adults, with discounted rates for children and students. The castle is closed from mid-December through mid-March due to snow conditions.

What other travelers are saying about Gujo Hachiman Castle

구조시 꼭대기에 자리잡고 있어 올라가는데 20분 정도 소요됩니다. 입장료는 400엔으로 그리 높지는 않지만, 일본 다른 성에 비하여 매우 작고 볼거리도 그닥입니다. 안에 입장하지 않고 밖에서 봐도 충불할거 같습니다.

hanseok son

2025. 12. 11.

2025-04-05 / 속명성 4/100 구조하치만 동네 자체가 한 바퀴 둘러보기 좋습니다. 성이 높은 곳에 있어서 걸어올라가기 조금 귀찮긴 하나 좋습니다.

성인 입장료 400엔 박물관이랑 묶어서 세트 판매하는 입장료도 있음. 밑에 주차하고 걸어올라가면 됨. 주변 경치 보기 좋고 성 내부 4층까지 계단으로 올라갈 수 있음.

올라가는길이 멀지않아서 주차장에서 성까지 왕복 30분이면 충분히 관람가능합니다. 내부 입장료는 400엔 이었습니다. 구조하치만 사방이 한 눈에 내려다보여 좋았습니다.

구조시 하치만산에 위치하는 구조하치만성은 16세기 중엽 엔도 모리가츠가 세운 성으로 현재는 흰색의 목조 재건 천수로 유명한 곳이다. 20세기초 오가키성 천수를 참고하여 일본 최초로 목조로 재건했다

Gujo Hachiman Castle

The area

Hours

Phone

Website

What other travelers are saying about Gujo Hachiman Castle

자주 묻는 질문