Sumoto Castle Ruins: A Naval Fortress with Panoramic Views
Explore Sumoto Castle's historic stone walls, enjoy panoramic views of Awaji Island, and discover its naval past.
Sumoto Castle, also known as Mikuma Castle, sits atop Mount Mikuma, 133 meters above sea level, in the heart of Awaji Island. Built in 1526 by Atagi Haruoki, leader of the Kumano Suigun naval forces, it served as a strategic stronghold overlooking Osaka Bay and the Kitan Strait. Throughout the Sengoku and Edo periods, the castle was expanded and fortified by various lords, including Wakizaka Yasuharu, a general under Hideyoshi. In 1642, the Inada clan, then rulers of the castle, relocated to the fortified lower city at the mountain's base. While the original castle structures no longer stand, the well-preserved stone walls, stretching 800 meters east to west and 600 meters north to south, remain a major attraction. These walls, constructed largely from Izumi sandstone, showcase the castle's formidable defenses. In 1928, a replica of the castle keep was built from reinforced concrete on the original stone base. Although visitors cannot enter the keep, the site offers panoramic views of Sumoto City, Awaji Island, and the Seto Inland Sea. The castle ruins are open to the public as a park and historic site, with free admission. Visitors can explore the grounds, admire the stone walls, and enjoy the scenic vistas. Today, Sumoto Castle is recognized as a National Historic Site and one of Japan's Top 100 Castles. It provides a glimpse into the island's rich history and offers a rewarding experience for castle enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the castle ruins.
- Bring a flashlight if visiting after sunset, as there is limited lighting.
- Check the weather forecast, as strong winds can occur on the mountain.
- Visit the 046 café near the castle for locally grown refreshments (open 9:00-16:00, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
A brief summary to Sumoto Castle Ruins
- 1272 Orodani, Sumoto, Orodani, Hyogo, 656-0023, JP
- +81799-24-7613
Getting There
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Walking
From the Sumoto Bus Center, it's approximately a 40-minute uphill walk to Sumoto Castle. Follow the signs towards Mount Mikuma and the castle. The path leads through the town and then ascends the mountain, passing by local residences and small shrines. Be prepared for a moderately steep climb. Alternatively, from the Koen-mae bus stop at the base of the mountain, it's about a 10-minute walk.
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Public Transport
Take an Awaji Transportation Yura Line bus from Sumoto Bus Center to Yura Welfare Center, get off at Koenmae (lower castle), then walk for about 40 minutes to the upper castle. Bus fares within Sumoto City typically range from ¥200-¥400 [based on general local bus fares]. From the Koen-mae bus stop, it's about a 10-minute walk to the castle.
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Taxi
From Sumoto Bus Center, a taxi ride to Sumoto Castle takes approximately 10 minutes. Expect to pay around ¥1,000 - ¥1,500 for the taxi fare [based on typical taxi fares in the region]. Taxis are readily available at the bus center.
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Driving
Sumoto Castle is best accessed by car. From the Sumoto Interchange (IC) on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, it's about a 20-minute drive to the castle. Follow the signs towards Sumoto Castle. There are four parking areas near the castle, with a total of approximately 115 spaces. Parking is free. Be aware that some parking areas are a 14-16 minute walk to the castle tower base. The gateway to the Umayaato Parking is narrow and allows one-way traffic only.
