The site features impressive stone walls, earthwork fortifications, moats, and the foundation of the main keep displaying nozurazumi stonework. The Honmaru (main bailey) has become a square area with remaining stone walls, and visitors can see the Asahigaoka Shrine located in the Kitakuruwa (northern enclosure). One of the most interesting aspects is how you can observe the transition from a medieval earthwork castle to a more modern stone-walled fortress, with defensive features including large tatebori (vertical trenches) and horikiri trenches cut through bedrock. However, no original buildings survive on the site.
No, admission to Futamata Castle Ruins is completely free. The site is open year-round for visitors to explore at their own pace. Facilities at the site include parking and restrooms.
Autumn is particularly recommended for visiting, as the Honmaru area and surrounding flower gardens display beautiful autumn colors with maple trees. The combination of historic stone walls against the backdrop of colorful foliage creates an especially scenic atmosphere. Spring and early summer are also pleasant times to visit with comfortable temperatures for exploring the hilltop ruins.
The recommended visiting time is 1-2 hours, which allows sufficient time to explore the main bailey, stone walls, earthwork defenses, and the shrine area. Many visitors combine their trip with nearby Tobayama Castle ruins, which can be reached by walking across the embankment along the river, allowing you to visit both sites in a half-day excursion.
Yes, Futamata Castle pairs well with Tobayama Castle, which is located on an adjacent hill separated by the Futamata River and was originally built as a siege base against Futamata Castle. With good timing, you can visit all three major castle sites in the area—Futamata Castle, Tobayama Castle, and Hamamatsu Castle—in one day by using the local train lines, starting from Futamata Honmachi Station and ending at Nishikajima Station.
