To be clear - there isn't a castle. It's the site a castle was on, with several spots with remains of the rock walls of the castle. But it's 5 stars for the fantastic walking/hiking trails leading to breathtaking views of the ocean. The trails also lead to the lighthouse (itself run-down, but again with a great view) and down to the rocky beach, to see Joro island - a small, uninhabitated island by the looks. If you visit Hiketa, this is a must. (There's not too much else to do).
Visiting the ruins of Hikita Castle gave me a real sense of the history of the Sengoku period. The castle ruins, built on a mountaintop, overlook the sea, and I could imagine how the people of that time used the terrain to defend the castle. Looking at the remaining stone walls and the surrounding nature, I was able to contemplate what the castle looked like in the past. The climb was a bit challenging, but the view from the top was beautiful, and I felt a great sense of accomplishment. It was a memorable place where I could enjoy history and nature at the same time.
I enjoy visiting castles π― and went to Hikida Castle, one of the Continued Top 100 Castles π
Despite it being the first day of Golden Week, I was the only tourist π There's a spacious parking lot π
ΏοΈ, but my car was the only one parked there π (a little lonely). β οΈ Since you don't encounter bears in the mountains of Shikoku, you can climb the castle with peace of mind βοΈ
As it's a mountain castle, I geared up like a trail runner πββοΈ but the slopes weren't as steep as I expected, and I was able to climb without difficulty π The path is well-maintained, and there are benches in places with good views, so you can sit and relax π The whole loop took about an hour β°.
I also went to the lighthouse and refreshed my spirits with the magnificent ocean view β¨
I ate a huge bowl of udon before climbing the castle, so I wonder if I burned off the calories?
The ruins of Hikita Castle are located on a peninsula beyond the side of Hikita Fishing Port. Following the navigation system and signs will prevent you from getting lost.
There's a parking lot and a temporary toilet set up near the trailhead, showing thoughtful consideration for visitors, which is a nice touch. The presence of signs and pamphlets is also a thoughtful touch. The initial climb is a somewhat unnerving animal trail, but there are signs and benches along the way, and although the path is narrow, the elevation change isn't too significant, making it very easy to walk. It's about 400-500 meters to the stone walls of the main keep. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hikita town. Continuing further from the main keep, you'll reach the Hikita Lighthouse in about 600 meters. I'm not sure if it's still in operation, but it offers a view of over 180Β°, mainly of the sea, so it's worth seeing if you're visiting the castle ruins. If you continue north from the lighthouse instead of turning back, you'll find the ruins of the second bailey, where you can see the stone walls. If you proceed from there, the path splits into one leading to the main keep and the other descending near Tanoura Beach, so be careful. Even if you descend towards Tanoura Beach, you can reach the parking lot by walking about 500 meters along the road towards the fishing port, so there's no need to worry. There are no castle buildings left, and you'll be looking around at the stone walls, but I think it's a scenic spot where you can enjoy the view from the main keep and Hikita Lighthouse.
Hiketa Castle Ruins are the remains of a castle built on Shiroyama (approximately 82m above sea level) overlooking Hiketa Port. It was in use from the end of the Sengoku period to the beginning of the Edo period. It has also been selected as one of the "Continued Top 100 Castles of Japan."
Climbing from the trailhead on the Hiketa Port side offers panoramic views of Hiketa's townscape and the beautiful waters of the Seto Inland Sea. It was also a port where Kitamae ships stopped during the Edo period, making it clear that it has long been an important port.
Enjoy a casual hike while immersing yourself in history.
The course starts from the Hiketa Port side, passes through the remains of the main castle, passes near the lighthouse on the ocean side, and descends to Tanoura Campground on the other side. The complete loop takes about 50 minutes.
