Aya Castle (Miyazaki Prefecture) Complete Guide | The Charm of a 660-Year-Old Medieval Mountain Castle and its Reconstructed History
Aya Castle, located in Aya-cho, Higashimorokata-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture, is a historic mountain castle built approximately 660 years ago during the Genkō era. The current structure was rebuilt in 1985 based on research and studies by the Japan Castle Association, and was the first castle in Japan to be constructed as an early example of a medieval-style castle keep. Also known as “Ryūbi Castle,” it played an important role as one of the 48 castles of the Itō clan during the Sengoku period.
This article provides a detailed explanation of this fascinating mountain castle, from its historical background and architectural features to its highlights and access information.
History of Aya Castle | A Story Continuing for 660 Years
Construction History and the Era of the Aya Clan
The history of Aya Castle dates back approximately 660 years to the Genkō era (1331-1334). The history of Aya is said to have begun when Hosokawa Koshirō Yoshikado, a retainer of Ashikaga Takauji, was ordered to descend to this region, and his son, Yoshitō, became the governor of Aya as a tax collector.
Yoshitō built a mountain castle in Aya and adopted the name Aya. This period was a transitional period from the end of the Kamakura period to the Nanboku-chō period, a time when samurai groups were expanding their power throughout Kyushu. The Aya clan, as the rulers of this region, managed their territory from their mountain castle.
The Era of the Ito and Shimazu Clans
With the arrival of the Sengoku period, Aya Castle came under the control of the Ito clan, who ruled Hyūga Province, and played an important role as one of the 48 castles of the Ito clan. The Ito clan was a powerful daimyo of Hyūga Province, controlling a vast territory stretching from the Miyazaki Plain to the Miyakonojo Basin.
However, after the Ito clan’s defeat by the Shimazu clan at the Battle of Kizakihara in 1577, Aya Castle also came under the control of the Shimazu clan. The Shimazu clan unified the three provinces of Satsuma, Osumi, and Hyuga, growing into the largest daimyo in Kyushu during the Sengoku period. Aya Castle functioned as a crucial base for the Shimazu clan’s control of Hyuga during this time.
Edo Period and Abandonment
In the Edo period, after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the Shimazu clan’s territory was reduced to two provinces: Satsuma and Osumi. Subsequently, with the “One Castle Per Province” decree of 1615, Aya Castle was officially abandoned. At this point, the history of Aya Castle, spanning approximately 300 years, came to a temporary end.
After its abandonment, the castle’s structures gradually disappeared, leaving only remnants such as stone walls and earthworks. However, the legend of a magnificent mountain castle that once stood on this site continued to be passed down among the local people.
Reconstruction in the Showa Era | A 660-Year-Old Dream Revived
Japan’s First Medieval-Style Castle Reconstruction Project
In 1985 (Showa 60), Aya Town embarked on a project to reconstruct Aya Castle as a historical building. The most distinctive feature of this project was that the Japan Castle Association conducted numerous surveys and studies, aiming to faithfully recreate the castle as an early Sengoku period (Warring States period) structure.
At the time, many castles in Japan were being restored as early modern castles (Edo period style), but Aya Castle was the first attempt in Japan to recreate the appearance of a medieval mountain castle. This undertaking held groundbreaking significance in the history of castle architecture.
Construction with the Full Support of the Community
The reconstruction of Aya Castle involved the full cooperation of local carpenters, stonemasons, and other craftsmen. All the timber used was sourced from Aya Town, and the castle was constructed by combining the region’s traditional architectural techniques.
The three-story wooden structure strongly reflects the characteristics of a medieval mountain castle. The design, with its stone foundation and watchtower positioned approximately 19 meters above ground level, faithfully reproduces the actual features of mountain castles of the time. The total floor area is approximately 300 square meters, resulting in a compact yet functional spatial configuration.
Architectural Features and Structure of Aya Castle
Typical Structure of a Medieval Mountain Castle
Aya Castle possesses a typical structure of a medieval mountain castle. Its location utilizing a mountain ridge is a clever design to ensure defensive advantages. Its alternative name, “Ryūbi-jō” (Dragon’s Tail Castle), also comes from the fact that the castle was built on a ridge resembling a dragon’s tail.
The three-story wooden keep lacks the ornate decorations of early modern castles, but it is a robust and practical structure emphasizing functionality in battle. Each level is equipped with attack windows called “sama,” a structure designed to defend against enemy intrusion.
Stone Wall and Earthwork Techniques
The stone walls of Aya Castle recreate the Nozura-zumi (rough-stone masonry) technique used in medieval times. This technique involves stacking unprocessed natural stones as they are, a characteristic often seen in mountain castles from the Sengoku period.
The earthworks were also constructed based on the techniques of the time and functioned as defensive structures to prevent enemy intrusion. These remains are valuable historical materials that convey medieval castle-building techniques to us today.
Highlights of Aya Castle | Castle Exhibits and Views from the Keep
Historical Materials Exhibits on the 1st and 2nd Floors
The 1st and 2nd floors of Aya Castle are housed as a museum, featuring exhibits on the history of Aya Castle and the culture of the Aya region.
Main Exhibits:
- Historical Documents: Historical documents concerning the Aya, Ito, and Shimazu clans
- Armor: Exhibits of actual weapons and armor from the Sengoku period
- Swords: Exhibits of Japanese swords, including works by Tanaka (Horikawa) Kunihiro, a swordsmith associated with Aya Town
- Maps: Old maps of Aya Castle and the surrounding area
- Excavated Artifacts: Ceramics and daily life items excavated from the castle ruins
Of particular note are the numerous valuable historical materials that tell the story of the Sengoku period history of Hyuga Province. You can understand the position of Aya Castle as one of the 48 castles of the Ito clan, and the circumstances of the Shimazu clan’s invasion of Hyuga, through concrete historical materials.
Observation Tower on the 3rd Floor
The 3rd floor was designed as a watchtower and is open as an observation tower. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Aya Town, and on clear days, you can even see the mountains of the Kyushu Mountains in the distance.
The view from an altitude of approximately 200 meters is breathtaking, and imagining the former castle lords surveying their territories from this very spot evokes a sense of historical romance.
The surrounding evergreen forest is also beautiful, allowing visitors to enjoy the changing seasons. The scenery is particularly spectacular during the fresh green season and the autumn foliage season, offering a unique view only a mountain castle can provide.
Estimated Visiting Time
A visit to Aya Castle takes approximately 40-50 minutes. If you plan to carefully view the exhibits and enjoy the view from the keep, it’s best to allow about an hour.
Aya International Craft Castle | The Charm of a Multi-Cultural Facility
Aya Castle forms the core of the “Aya International Craft Castle,” a multi-cultural facility. In addition to the castle itself, the grounds include a craft exhibition and sales facility, workshops, and restaurants, making it a tourist spot where you can enjoy history, culture, and crafts all at once.
Craft Culture of Aya Town
Aya Town has long been known as a town of crafts, with a particularly strong tradition of handwoven textiles and woodworking. At the Aya International Craft Castle, works by local artists and excellent crafts from across Japan are exhibited and sold, allowing visitors to experience the charm of traditional crafts.
A diverse range of works are available, including glass art, pottery, woodworking, and dyeing and weaving, making it perfect for souvenir shopping. Craft experience programs are also offered, allowing visitors to try their hand at creating their own works.
Basic Information | Opening Hours, Fees, and Access
Opening Hours
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
- Closed Days: New Year’s Holidays (December 29th – January 3rd)
*Please check the official website before visiting, as there may be other temporary closures.
Admission Fees
- Adults: 350 yen
- High School and University Students: 300 yen
- Elementary and Junior High School Students: 200 yen
- Group Discount: Discounts available for groups of 20 or more
*Fees are subject to change, so please check the Aya Town official website for the latest information.
Access Information
Access by Car:
- From Miyazaki City: Approximately 30 minutes via National Route 10 and Prefectural Route 26
- From Miyazaki Airport: Approximately 40 minutes
- From Miyazaki IC on the Miyazaki Expressway: Approximately 20 minutes
- Parking: Free parking available (approximately 100 regular cars)
Access by Public Transportation:
- From JR Miyazaki Station, take the Miyazaki Kotsu bus bound for “Aya” for approximately 50 minutes, get off at “Aya Waiting Area,” and walk for approximately 15 minutes.
- Since the number of buses is limited, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Address and Contact Information
- Address: 1012 Kitamata, Aya-cho, Higashimorokata-gun, Miyazaki Prefecture 880-1302
- Phone: 0985-77-1223
Nearby Tourist Attractions | Enjoy the Charms of Aya Town
When visiting Aya Castle, be sure to also visit the nearby tourist attractions.
Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge
Located about 5 minutes by car from Aya Castle, this is a pedestrian-only suspension bridge that crosses one of the world’s largest evergreen broadleaf forest zones. From the 250-meter-long, 142-meter-high suspension bridge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the pristine evergreen broadleaf forest.
Aya Town Shusen no Mori
This is the facility of Unkai Shuzo, the producer of “Aya,” a shochu (Japanese distilled spirit) that is a specialty product of Aya Town. Visitors can tour the shochu manufacturing process, and there is also a tasting corner, restaurant, and hot spring facilities.
Teruha no Mori no Yado
This accommodation is surrounded by evergreen broadleaf forests, allowing you to relax and enjoy nature. It’s recommended to combine a stay here with a visit to Aya Castle for a one-night, two-day trip.
Points to Note When Visiting Aya Castle
Best Season to Visit
Aya Castle can be visited year-round, but the following seasons are particularly recommended:
- Spring (March-May): Beautiful fresh greenery and pleasant weather
- Autumn (October-November): The autumn leaves are at their peak, and the view from the castle tower is especially beautiful
- Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists, allowing for a more relaxed visit
Summer is intensely hot, but the evergreen broadleaf forests are lush, allowing you to feel the power of nature. ### Clothing and Items to Bring
- The castle has steep stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- You will be going up and down to the keep, so comfortable clothing is suitable.
- The sun is strong in summer, so bring a hat and sunscreen.
- A camera is essential (ideal for taking photos of the view from the keep and the castle’s exterior).
Estimated Time Required
- Visiting Aya Castle only: 40-60 minutes
- Visiting the entire Aya International Craft Castle complex: 1.5-2 hours
- Including surrounding sightseeing: Half a day to a full day
Summary | The Charm of Aya Castle, Where History and Culture Breathe
Aya Castle in Aya Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, is Japan’s first medieval-style castle structure, faithfully reconstructed in 1985 from a mountain castle built approximately 660 years ago. It has a history of changing rulers, beginning with Hosokawa Koshirō Yoshikado, a retainer of Ashikaga Takauji, and continuing through the Aya, Ito, and Shimazu clans, playing an important role as one of the 48 castles of the Ito clan.
The current three-story wooden structure was built by local craftsmen using timber from Aya Town, based on research and studies by the Japan Castle Association. Inside the castle, valuable historical materials such as ancient documents, armor, and swords are displayed, and the third-floor keep offers a spectacular panoramic view of Aya Town.
As the Aya International Craft Castle, Aya Castle also functions as a hub for promoting craft culture, making it a fascinating tourist spot where history, culture, and nature harmonize. Its convenient location, approximately 30 minutes by car from Miyazaki City, is another attractive feature, making it a must-visit destination for Miyazaki sightseeing.
Experience the atmosphere of a medieval mountain castle while immersing yourself in the rich nature and craft culture of Aya Town—a journey that will surely create unforgettable memories. At Aya Castle, where 660 years of history have been revived, fully enjoy the romance of the Sengoku period and the charm of modern craft culture.
