Tottori Castle Ruins, Chugoku Travel Guide

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Explore historic Tottori Castle Ruins in Kyusho Park: panoramic views, cherry blossoms, and a serene escape in Tottori City.

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Tottori Castle Ruins

Explore the remnants of Tottori Castle, originally built in 1532, now a serene park offering panoramic city views. Once a strategic stronghold, the ruins feature stone walls, a restored gate, and hundreds of cherry trees, making it a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.

A brief summary to Tottori Castle Ruins

Tottori, Engoji, 東町, Tottori, 680-0005, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tottori Castle Ruins.

Visit during late March or early April to witness the spectacular cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the steep paths to the castle ruins.
Check the Tottori City Tourist Information Center for up-to-date transportation timetables.
Consider visiting on a weekend or national holiday in spring or fall for a volunteer guided tour.

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Explore Tottori Castle Ruins on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tottori Castle Ruins, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Tottori Station, the Tottori Castle Ruins are approximately a 30-minute walk. Head northeast from the station, following the main road. You'll pass through the city center before reaching the base of Mount Kyusho, where the castle ruins are located.
Public Transport

Take the Kururi Bus (Green Line) from Tottori Station and get off at the 'Jinpukaku/Kenritsu Hakubutsukan' bus stop. The bus ride takes about 10 minutes and costs 100 yen. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the castle ruins. Alternatively, the Nihon Kotsu bus will take you to the 'Kencho-Nisseki-mae' bus stop, from where it is a 5 minute walk to the ruins. This bus costs 160 yen.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available at Tottori Station. A taxi ride to Tottori Castle Ruins takes approximately 10 minutes and costs around 1,500 - 2,000 yen, depending on traffic. Alternatively, foreign tourists can visit the Tottori City International Tourist Support Center near the north exit of JR Tottori Station to book a special 3-hour taxi tour for 2,000 yen per person.

Discover more about Tottori Castle Ruins

The Tottori Castle Ruins, nestled within Kyusho Park, offer a captivating journey into Japan's feudal past. Originally constructed in 1532 during the Sengoku period, the castle served as a vital regional power center. It later became the seat of the Ikeda Clan during the Edo Period. The castle is famous for withstanding a siege in 1581 for 200 days.Unfortunately, like many structures of its kind, Tottori Castle was destroyed during the Meiji Restoration. Today, visitors can wander through the remaining stone walls and a single wooden gate, remnants of a once-grand structure. Climbing the castle courtyards rewards you with commanding views of Tottori City and, on clear days, the Tottori Sand Dunes.Kyusho Park, which encompasses the castle ruins, is a celebrated destination in its own right. Hundreds of cherry trees, including Yoshino and Sato varieties, bloom here in spring, transforming the park into a breathtaking spectacle. The combination of the historic stone walls and the delicate cherry blossoms creates a picturesque scene, especially during the nighttime illuminations during peak bloom.Also within the park, visitors can find Jinpukaku, a European-style mansion constructed in the early 1900s by the former lord. It was the first building in Tottori with electric lights and a symbol of modernization. While currently closed for renovations (until 2028 or early 2029), it is known for its architecture and Japanese garden. The Tottori Prefectural Museum is also located in Kyusho Park.