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, additional comment) One of the 100 Famous Castles, No. 163, the seal is located at Kasuga Zumin Center in Tamba City. I didn't find the seal composition particularly interesting.
After exiting the station, walk along the path until you get the seal and then reach the castle entrance. There are two routes to the castle: a steep and a gentle one. The steep route is quite thrilling and a bit challenging, but it also takes less time to reach the summit. For safety reasons and to balance the time spent on the siege, I recommend taking the steep route up and the gentle route down. The steep route down is significantly more dangerous.
It rained heavily the day I arrived, but I pushed through to the castle, determined to make the trip worthwhile. Looking back, it was a bit dangerous, with the steep route constantly washing down from above. However, once I reached the summit, I was treated to a unique view: the stone walls nestled in the clouds, and the clouds billowed across the mountaintops. If I have the chance, I'd like to climb back up to see a different view. Among the hundred famous cities, this is an unforgettable site.
If you insist on attacking the city in the rain, I recommend simply using the gentle route up and down the mountain. And even if it's not raining, wear comfortable outdoor shoes.
I went to Kuroi Castle, a mountain castle that is hard 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 in different places at the mountain castle.
First, I visited the local community center and got my stamp from the 100 Famous Castles stamp.
After that, I headed towards 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 I was a bit scared because Arikoyama Castle, which I visited yesterday, was a lot steeper than I expected, so I chose the gentle course.
Also, I heard that bears appear on this mountain.
This one is quite scary.
I played music on my smartphone speaker at maximum volume as I headed forward.
There is a gate just inside the entrance.
It is said to be a gate to keep animals out, but it is not well-made.
If it was a bear, it would destroy it.
You open the lock yourself, and lock it once you've passed through.
From there it's uphill up the mountain.
It's a really nice mountain.
The slope wasn't as steep as I'd worried it would be, and it was enjoyable to climb.
There was something like a shrine on the stone steps, where the steep course joined.
Continuing up the moderate mountain path, I came to another gate, and when I opened it, I could see the stone walls.
Although it was only at the summit, there was a sturdy stone wall, and the bailey was quite wide with a great view.
When I reached the main citadel, I could 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 climb.
The descent was even quicker, and I was down in no time.
If you take the gentle course, both the climb and descent are pleasant.
After descending, I went to a roadside station and bought a castle seal at the tourist information center there.
It was a really nice mountain castle.
☆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.
The Easy Course and the Strong Course
I got pumped and chose the Strong Course.
My butt muscles twitched on the stairs at the start.
I thoroughly enjoyed the mountain path from there.
The view from Sannomaru to Honmaru was spectacular!
I felt like I finally understood the significance of building a castle in this location. I got caught in the rain on the way back, and although I had planned to take the easy course, I was advised to take a detour due to fallen trees.
I also had a strong sprint back.
