DO NOT FOLLOW GOOGLE MAPS to the highschool, go to 登城口広場 to enter the trail, that is the on’y entrance as there is a fence. the hike and view is quite amazing. enjoy.
(June 15, 2019) (Old coordinates moved, comment added) Castle No. 163 of the Top 100 Castles, the stamp is located in Kasuga Resident Center, Tamba City. I didn't specifically look for the stamp's design.
After exiting the station, walk the rest of the way to the castle entrance after obtaining the stamp. There are two routes for attacking the castle: a steep one and a gentle one. The steep route is quite exciting and challenging, but it takes relatively less time to reach the top. For safety and efficiency in terms of attack time, I would recommend taking the steep route uphill and the gentle route downhill. Using the steep route downhill significantly increases the risk.
It was raining heavily the day I came, but determined to make the trip worthwhile, I charged up the castle. Looking back, it was a bit dangerous, with rain constantly washing down from above on the steep route. However, once I reached the top, I saw a different kind of scenery: stone walls shrouded in clouds, with the clouds swirling among the mountains. If I have the chance, I'd like to climb back up and see a different view. Among the top 100 cities, this is one I'll never forget.
If you insist on attacking a city in the rain, I'd suggest simply using the gentler routes up and down the mountain. And even if it's not raining, wear comfortable hiking shoes.
I went to Kuroi Castle, a mountain castle that's not easy to get to.
I went by motorbike, so it was easy, but it was difficult because the locations for the 100 Famous Castles stamp and the castle seal are all separate at the mountain castle.
First, I visited the community center and got my 100 Famous Castles stamp.
After that, I headed up to the mountain castle.
There is a parking lot at the entrance to the castle.
From here, you can choose between a gentle course or a steep course.
Since it was my first time, I didn't know what to do, and Arikoyama Castle, which I visited yesterday, was a lot steeper than I expected, so I was a little scared and chose the gentle course.
Also, I heard that bears haunt this mountain.
This is quite scary.
I played music on my smartphone speaker with the volume turned up to maximum as I made my way.
There is a gate just inside the entrance.
It's supposed to be a gate to keep animals out, but it's not very well made.
A bear would probably destroy it.
I unlocked the door myself and locked it once I was through.
From there it was uphill up the mountain.
: It's a really nice mountain.
The slope wasn't as steep as I'd worried, and it was an enjoyable climb.
There was something like a shrine on the stone steps, where the steep course joined up.
Continuing up the moderate mountain path, I came across another gate, and when I opened it, I could see the stone walls.
Although it's only at the summit, there are sturdy stone walls, and the baileys are quite large with great views.
When you reach the main castle, you can see everything around.
I wasn't as tired as I thought I would be, and it was a very pleasant climb.
I think it took less than 30 minutes to reach the top.
The descent was even quicker, and I was down in no time.
If you take the gentler course, both the ascent and descent are pleasant.
After descending, I went to a roadside station and purchased a castle seal at the tourist information center there.
It was a really nice mountain castle.
I started the climb just before 9:00 AM. There were walking sticks at the trailhead, so I borrowed one. Since bears have been spotted there, I thought it might work as a weapon.
I listened to the radio on a portable speaker as I climbed. I took the steep course, which was tougher than I expected. The course is minimally maintained, so it might be difficult without proper footwear. I wasn't very fit, so I took frequent breaks as I climbed. Those with weak legs or children might prefer the gentler course. I took the gentler course on the way down, which seemed like a more relaxed climb.
Although I wasn't aiming for it, I was able to see a spectacular 360-degree sea of clouds.
There is a clean restroom at the trailhead. I paid a small fee. There is parking for about four cars.
The 100 Famous Castles stamp is available at the Residents' Center next to the Kasuga City Hall.
☆Continued Top 100 Castles of Japan☆
April 7, 2025 Located in Kasuga-cho, Tanba City, Hyogo Prefecture, this mountain castle is where Akai Naomasa, known as the Red Demon of Tanba, fought a fierce battle with Akechi Mitsuhide. The moat at the summit is visible from a distance.
Following the narrow road toward the base of the mountain and passing Kuroi Elementary School, you'll find a parking lot. After parking and heading to the trailhead, you'll see a stone monument marking the remains of Kuroi Castle and another stone monument marking the trailhead for the ruins of Hozuki Castle. You might be confused for a moment, but Hozuki Castle is another name for Kuroi Castle.
It seems to take about an hour to reach the summit, and considering the return trip time, I decided against it this time. Remains from the Warring States period, such as stone walls, gates, and earthworks, remain, so I'd like to climb it someday.
On the way back, I got my stamp at the Kasuga Community Center and received a castle seal at the tourist information center at the roadside station, Obaachan no Sato, before heading home. It's a place I'd definitely like to return to.
