Yoshii Shiroyama Park in Akaiwa City , Okayama Okayama Prefecture , is a hidden gem where cherry blossoms bloom in the spring. While enjoying the Japanese scenery of the castle and Japanese houses, you can get a magnificent view of Akaiwa City with the cherry blossoms in full bloom from the top of the mountain. We will introduce you to the highlights, flowering season, and event information.
2025.03.26-
Table of Contents
- What is Yoshii Castle Park?
- White walls, Ishigaki, cherry blossoms... a true Japanese spring scene
- Best time to see cherry blossoms
- The "Joyama Park Festival" event will also feature a rifle demonstration!
- The view from the observation deck is also a must-see
- A large pit ruin that conveys the memories of a mountain castle to the present day
- Remains of the "Koshikuruwa"
- A memento of your trip! Castle stamps
- Location, opening hours and fees
- access
- Conclusion
What is Yoshii Castle Park?
Yoshii Shiroyama Park is located in Akaiwa City , which is located to the north of Okayama City . Suisan Mount Chausu Castle was once built here, and is said to have existed for 46 years until it was destroyed in 1579. After the castle fell, the area was left as a wasteland, but in 1986 a castle-shaped observation deck was built and the park was developed. In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, and the park is bustling with many visitors.
White walls, Ishigaki, cherry blossoms... a true Japanese spring scene
White walls, Ishigaki, and cherry blossoms. A landscape that truly evokes the feeling of spring in Japan. Yoshii Castle Park is not just a place to see cherry blossoms, but also a place to enjoy the historic scenery.
You can also walk through the dry moat (waterless moat) from the bottom of the stairs. However, the dirt path is very steep, so I gave up as I didn't have the courage to go through it. It's a place built for war, so it's understandable that it's not easy to walk through. If you're a history buff, I recommend giving it a try.
Spring in full bloom, cherry blossoms and the magnificent scenery of the surrounding area
Looking out from the side of the stairs, you can see a field of cherry blossoms in front of you. Between the blossoms, you can see the road you passed on the way to the park, the rows of houses that give a sense of the lives of local people, and the river and mountains in the distance. It's a spectacular view that truly makes you feel the spring.
Thatched roof and cherry blossoms
During the cherry blossom season, you can see the traditional thatched roof buildings together with the cherry blossoms.
*A thatched roof is an old Japanese roof made from grass and straw.
This combination creates a unique landscape that evokes Japanese history, making you feel as if you have traveled back in time to a time hundreds of years ago.
The building you see on the left is a relocated rest house from the Edo period called "Funa-yado."
*The Edo period (1603-1868) was a time when traditional Japanese culture developed.
The boathouse was a place where passengers could stay and rest on the wooden river boats called "Takase-bune" that were used at the time.
Best time to see cherry blossoms
The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from late March to early April. Please check the link for the latest information on the blooming of the cherry blossoms. After the cherry blossoms are over, you can also enjoy the azalea flowers.
The "Joyama Park Festival" event will also feature a rifle demonstration!
The spring festival "Joyama Park Festival" will also be held in 2025. At this event, there will be a demonstration by a "gun corps" using matchlock guns from the Edo period, a brass band performance, and stalls by local people. It's a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture.
[Joyama Park Festival ]
Date: Sunday, April 13, 2025
Time: 9:00-15:00 *Please check the link for details.
The view from the observation deck is also a must-see
Yoshii Castle Park can be enjoyed even outside of cherry blossom season. From the castle-shaped observation deck on top of a mountain about 170 meters above sea level, you can look out over the surrounding townscape. Inside the observation deck, the history of the place and excavated materials are on display.
After writing your name in the notebook at the entrance and taking off your shoes, you can climb the stairs to the Mogami and enjoy a spectacular view.
From the other side of the observation deck, you can also see the Hirano, mountains, and Japanese architecture in the park, a view that is truly unique to a mountain castle.
A large pit ruin that conveys the memories of a mountain castle to the present day
The park is also home to ruins known as the "Large Pit Ruins." This is an underground storehouse that was used to store supplies during the Sengoku period (15th to 16th centuries), and is a valuable facility unique to mountain castles. Excavated Bizen Pottery ware and sword parts are on display at the observation deck.
The interior of the restored large pit ruins is rare even for a castle from the Warring States period, and is a very valuable historical relic. By actually entering the space, you can get a more realistic feel for what life was like at the time and preparations for war were like.
Remains of the "Koshikuruwa"
At the bottom of the slope next to the entrance stairs is the remains of a defensive facility called "Koshikuruwa." This was the last line of defense against enemy invasion. Today, cherry trees are planted here, and in spring it is a space that soothes the hearts of many visitors.
A memento of your trip! Castle stamps
Recently, "castle stamps" have become popular. More and more people are enjoying traveling to collect castle stamps at castle ruins all over Japan. There are castle stamps at the "Shuso Mount Chausu Castle Ruins" as well. You can pick them up on the left side of the boathouse, and we ask that you donate 300 yen to the castle stamp donation box.
The family crest of the lord of Shuso Mount Chausu Castle is unknown, but it is said to belong to the Okayama Ikeda family, the chief retainer of the Okayama Domain, who protected this area after the castle fell. There are numbered stamps available, so you can stamp the date. You'll want to collect them all.
Location, opening hours and fees
Parking and restrooms are available, so you can visit without worry. The park is free to enter, but it is maintained by volunteers. Please donate to the donation box at the castle observation deck.
[Yoshii Castle Park] Address: Shuzo 15-6 , Akaiwa City City, Okayama Okayama Prefecture
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00
Closed: Mondays
Admission fee: Free
Parking: 10 standard-sized cars
access
When I visited, the road from the south was closed due to a landslide. Please use the road from the north until the road is reopened. Also, some roads in the area are narrow. Please drive carefully.
By the way, the Ikeda family graveyard is also located along this road, so it's recommended to take in the history as you pass by.
Access (car): Approximately 40 minutes from Sanyo IC on the Sanyo Expressway, or approximately 40 minutes from Mimasaka IC on the Chugoku Expressway.
Access (public): Take the bus bound for Shindohozaki from JR Hayashino Station for about 25 minutes, get off at "Shuso", then walk for about 30 minutes
Conclusion
Despite being a wonderful location, it is relatively quiet and a hidden spot where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in a relaxed atmosphere. Even outside of cherry blossom season, there are other attractions with wonderful views and a sense of history, so it is a park that can be enjoyed at any time, so please be sure to visit.
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