Yuasa Castle (Wakayama Prefecture) Complete Guide: The Charm of a Historic Mountain Castle Ruins and Japan’s Only Castle Where You Can Stay Overnight
Located in Yuasa Town, Arida District, Wakayama Prefecture, Yuasa Castle is a unique entity that combines historical value dating back to the late Heian period with the appeal of a modern tourist and leisure facility. This article provides a detailed overview of Yuasa Castle, a beloved symbol of Yuasa Town, from the historical background of the Yuasa Castle Ruins, a nationally designated historical site, to the details of “Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle,” known as Japan’s only castle where you can stay overnight.
What is Yuasa Castle?: A Wakayama Landmark with Two Faces
The name Yuasa Castle actually refers to two different facilities. One is the historical mountain castle ruins built in 1143 by Yuasa Muneshige, and the other is “Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle,” which currently operates as an accommodation facility.
The historical Yuasa Castle ruins are located on Aokiyama Mountain in Aoki, Yuasa-cho, Arida-gun, Wakayama Prefecture. In 2021, along with the Fujinami-kan ruins, they were designated a National Historic Site as the “Yuasa Clan Castle Ruins.” Meanwhile, the Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle, a lodging facility, is built in a different location within the same Aoki district and functions as a comprehensive leisure facility equipped with natural hot springs and sports facilities.
These two Yuasa Castles embody the charm of Yuasa-cho, where history and modernity blend seamlessly, and are beloved by tourists and locals alike.
History of Yuasa Castle Ruins: A Base of the Yuasa Clan, Continuing from the Heian Period
Construction of Yuasa Castle and the Yuasa Clan
Yuasa Castle is a mountain castle built in 1143 (Koji 2) by Yuasa Muneshige on Aokiyama Mountain in Arida-gun, Kii Province. The Yuasa clan was a powerful naval force that played a key role in the Kumano Navy, and led a family known as the Yuasa Clan.
Yuasa Muneshige was a samurai who was active from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period. He developed Yuasa Castle as a military base for the main Yuasa family. The castle was built near the summit of Aokiyama Mountain, strategically located overlooking the Kii Channel.
Yuasa Castle during the Nanboku-cho period
During the Nanboku-cho period, the Yuasa clan sided with the Southern Court. They fought against the Northern Court forces alongside the Kusunoki and Hatakeyama clans, and Yuasa Castle functioned as an important base for the Southern Court.
Yuasa Castle was known as a “fortress,” and its strength was highly regarded even at the time. However, in 1447, it fell after three attacks by the Hatakeyama clan. This battle dealt a major blow to the Yuasa clan, leading to their eventual decline.
Yuasa Castle from the Muromachi period onward
Yuasa Castle continued to exist during the Muromachi period, but gradually its role came to an end amidst the chaos of the Sengoku period. It is believed that the direct lineage of the Yuasa clan declined, and the castle gradually fell into disrepair.
Currently, the remains of Yuasa Castle are well-preserved and serve as important historical resources.
Structure and Remains of Yuasa Castle: A Mountain Castle Designated as a National Historic Site
Castle Structure
Yuasa Castle is a typical medieval mountain castle with multiple enclosures (kuruwa) arranged around the summit of Mt. Aoki. The main structure is as follows:
Enclosure 1 (Main Enclosure): Located in the central part near the summit, this is the most important enclosure and is presumed to have contained the castle’s central facilities.
Enclosure 2: A relatively large enclosure connected to Enclosure 1 by a bridge-like structure to the east. It may have contained living spaces or warehouses.
Enclosures 3 and Below: Several relatively small flat areas, including Enclosure 3, are lined up on the western ridge. These are thought to have functioned as lookout posts or defensive structures.
Existing Remains
The Yuasa Castle ruins retain various remains that evoke the castle’s appearance at the time of its construction.
- Earthworks: Earthen defensive walls built to surround the baileys remain in various places.
- Moats: Moats dug to divide the ridge, serving to prevent enemy intrusion.
- Earthbridge-like Remains: Traces of earthen bridges that functioned as passages connecting baileys can be confirmed.
- Stone Masonry: Traces of stone structures can also be seen in some areas.
These remains are valuable resources for understanding the structure of medieval mountain castles and formed the basis for its designation as a National Historic Site in 2021.
Visiting Information
The Yuasa Castle ruins are only accessible on days designated by Yuasa Town. Since access is usually restricted, it is recommended to contact the Yuasa Town Board of Education or the Yuasa Town Tourism Association in advance if you wish to visit.
On open days, guided tours led by local guides are sometimes offered, allowing visitors to learn about the historical background and details of the ruins.
Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle: Japan’s Only Castle Where You Can Stay
Facility Overview
Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle is an accommodation facility located at 75 Aoki, Yuasa-cho, Arida-gun, Wakayama Prefecture. Known as “Japan’s only castle where you can stay,” its exterior is modeled after an authentic Japanese castle.
Built in a different location from the historical Yuasa Castle ruins, this facility is a symbol of Yuasa town, beloved by locals and used by travelers from all over Japan.
The Charm of Natural Hot Springs
One of the greatest attractions of Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle is its natural hot springs. Nurtured by the rich nature of Kishu, the hot springs are perfect for soothing the fatigue of travel.
From the hot springs, you can overlook the vast ocean of the Kii Channel, and the view at sunset is particularly spectacular. Bathing while gazing at the Japanese garden is also possible, allowing you to enjoy both traditional Japanese beauty and the beauty of nature simultaneously.
Day trips for bathing are also possible, so you can stop by and enjoy the hot springs during your sightseeing.
Cuisine and Gourmet
Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle boasts a menu unique to Kishu, using an abundance of seafood and mountain produce.
Seafood: Dishes using fresh seafood caught in the Kii Channel are exquisite. The fish, delivered directly from local fishing ports, is exceptionally fresh and served in various ways, including sashimi, grilled fish, and boiled fish.
Mountain Delicacies: Dishes using wild vegetables and mushrooms harvested from the mountains of Kishu, as well as locally grown vegetables, are also abundant. You can enjoy dishes that make the most of seasonal ingredients.
Yuasa Specialties: Yuasa Town is also known as the birthplace of soy sauce, and dishes using locally produced soy sauce are also served. The deep flavor of Yuasa soy sauce, made using traditional methods, further enhances the deliciousness of the dishes.
Sports Facilities and Leisure
Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle offers not only accommodation and hot springs, but also a wide range of sports facilities.
- Tennis Courts: Outdoor tennis courts are available for guests.
- Gymnasium: A gymnasium for indoor sports is also available.
- Grounds: A spacious grounds allows for various sports and recreational activities.
These facilities are ideal for families, sports camps, and group tours, making it a comprehensive leisure facility where you can enjoy gourmet food, leisure, and sports.
Castle Tower and View
From the castle tower of Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town of Yuasa and the vast ocean of the Kii Channel. A Japanese garden is also located on the grounds, creating a space where you can experience Japanese history and tradition firsthand.
Especially on clear days, you can see distant islands, and the view captivates visitors.
Access to Yuasa Castle
Access to Yuasa Castle Ruins
The historical Yuasa Castle ruins are located on Mt. Aoki and are accessed via a hiking trail.
By Train:
- Get off at Yuasa Station on the JR Kisei Main Line
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot from the station to the trailhead
- Approximately 30 minutes from the trailhead to the summit
By Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Arita Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway
- Parking available near the trailhead (limited number of spaces)
*Advance inquiries are required for visits.
Access to Yuasa Onsen and Yuasa Castle
You can access the Yuasa Onsen and Yuasa Castle accommodations using the following methods.
By Train:
- Get off at Yuasa Station on the JR Kisei Main Line
- Approximately 5 minutes by taxi or 20 minutes on foot
- Shuttle service may be available with prior reservation
By Car:
- Approximately 10 minutes from the Arita Interchange on the Hanwa Expressway
- Free parking available
Address: 75 Aoki, Yuasa-cho, Arida-gun, Wakayama Prefecture 643-0002
Accommodation Information and Reservations for Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle
Accommodation Plans
Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle offers a variety of accommodation plans.
- 1-Night Stay with 2 Meals: Basic plan including dinner and breakfast
- Room Only: A reasonably priced plan without meals
- Day Trip Plan: A day trip plan to enjoy the hot springs and meals
- Group Plan: A plan suitable for sports camps and training trips
Check-in/Check-out
- Check-in: 3:00 PM (15:00)
- Check-out: 12:00 PM (Noon)
The check-out time is set late at noon, allowing you to relax in the morning.
How to Book
Reservations can be made using the following methods:
- Official Website: Book directly from the Yuasa Castle official website
- Telephone Reservation: Book by calling the facility directly
- Travel Booking Sites: Through major booking sites such as Jalan, JTB, and Rakuten Travel
During peak seasons and weekends, reservations can fill up quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your plans are finalized.
Tourist Attractions in Yuasa Town: Must-Visit Places Along with Yuasa Castle
Yuasa Town’s Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
Yuasa Town is known as the birthplace of soy sauce, and its old townscape is well-preserved. Designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, you can stroll through the charming streets lined with soy sauce breweries and townhouses dating back to the Edo period.
Yuasa Soy Sauce Brewery Tours
Yuasa Town has several breweries that continue to produce soy sauce using traditional methods, and tours and purchases are available. You can learn about the history and methods of soy sauce making, and sample and purchase soy sauce.
Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route
Yuasa Town is also a point along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, allowing you to walk the historic path. This is a valuable opportunity to experience a part of the Kumano Kodo, a World Heritage Site.
Kii Channel Coastline
Along the beautiful coastline of the Kii Channel, you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and seafood cuisine. There are also many restaurants serving fresh seafood. ## Points to Note and Recommended Time to Visit Yuasa Castle
Points to Note When Visiting Yuasa Castle Ruins
- The mountain castle ruins are usually closed to the public, so you need to inquire with Yuasa Town in advance.
- The hiking trails are well-maintained, but please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Don’t forget insect repellent in the summer and warm clothing in the winter.
- To protect the ruins, please do not enter areas other than the designated viewing routes.
Points to Note When Using Yuasa Onsen and Yuasa Castle
- Reservations are necessary in advance during peak seasons (Golden Week, summer holidays, New Year’s holidays).
- Please check the operating hours for day-use bathing in advance.
- Advance reservations are recommended for using sports facilities.
Recommended Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): It’s cherry blossom season, the townscape of Yuasa is beautiful, and the weather is mild, making it ideal for sightseeing.
Autumn (October-November): It’s autumn foliage season, and the nature around the mountain castle ruins is beautifully colored. The temperature is pleasant, making it ideal for hiking.
Winter (December-February): This is a particularly pleasant season for hot springs. Seafood is also at its peak of flavor.
In summer, combining a visit with swimming at the beach is recommended, but visiting the castle ruins requires precautions against the heat.
Historical Value and Cultural Significance of Yuasa Castle
Significance of National Historic Site Designation
The designation of Yuasa Castle ruins as a national historic site in 2021 signifies the official recognition of its historical and academic value. Designated together with Fujinami Manor ruins as “Yuasa Clan Castle Ruins,” it is expected to significantly contribute to understanding the realities of the Yuasa Clan, a powerful samurai group in the medieval period.
Kumano Navy and Yuasa Clan
The Yuasa Clan, led by the Yuasa clan, was an important force that played a key role in the Kumano Navy. The Kumano Navy was a maritime force that operated mainly in the Kii Channel from the Heian period to the Muromachi period, and had deep ties with the Imperial Court and the Shogunate.
Yuasa Castle served as a land base for the Kumano naval force and was strategically located overlooking the Kii Channel, a crucial point for maritime traffic. It can be said to be a castle symbolizing the power base of the Yuasa clan, who controlled both land and sea.
Connection to the Birthplace of Soy Sauce
Yuasa Town has a tradition of being the birthplace of soy sauce. It is believed that the tamari produced during the manufacturing process of Jingshan Temple miso, introduced from China during the Kamakura period, became the prototype for modern soy sauce.
During the time of the Yuasa clan’s rule, Yuasa was already a thriving port town, functioning as a center for trade and the collection and distribution of goods. The development of soy sauce is likely not unrelated to these geographical and economic conditions of Yuasa.
The Modern Role of Yuasa Castle
As a Regional Symbol
The historical Yuasa Castle ruins and the Yuasa Onsen (hot spring resort) both function as symbols of Yuasa Town.
The Yuasa Castle ruins embody the town’s historical identity and are a source of pride for the local people. Meanwhile, Yuasa Onsen and Yuasa Castle welcome many visitors as a representative tourist facility of modern Yuasa Town.
Hub for Tourism Promotion
Yuasa Onsen and Yuasa Castle play an important role in promoting tourism in Yuasa Town. As accommodation, it serves as a base for tourists staying in the town, facilitating visits to other tourist spots within the town.
As a comprehensive leisure facility equipped with natural hot springs, gourmet dining, and sports facilities, its ability to meet various needs enhances the appeal of Yuasa Town as a tourist destination.
As a Place for Historical Education
The Yuasa Castle ruins also function as a valuable educational site for learning about the history of medieval mountain castles and samurai groups. It is also used in local school education, providing children with opportunities to learn about local history.
Guided tours conducted on public viewing days offer detailed explanations by experts, making it a valuable learning opportunity for history enthusiasts as well.
Summary: The Charm of Yuasa Castle Where History and Modernity Blend
Yuasa Castle in Yuasa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is a unique entity with two faces: a historical mountain castle site dating back to the late Heian period, and a modern accommodation facility known as the only castle in Japan where you can stay overnight.
The Yuasa Castle ruins, designated a national historic site, are a valuable historical site that conveys the history of the Yuasa clan, a powerful samurai group of the medieval period. Remains such as earthworks and moats allow visitors to imagine what it looked like in those days. Meanwhile, Yuasa Onsen Yuasa Castle is a comprehensive leisure facility that attracts many tourists with its natural hot springs, cuisine using seafood and mountain produce from Kishu, and excellent sports facilities.
Visiting Yuasa Castle in conjunction with other nearby tourist attractions such as the historical townscape of Yuasa Town (known as the birthplace of soy sauce), the Kumano Kodo World Heritage Site, and the beautiful coastline of the Kii Channel will make for a more fulfilling travel experience.
Whether you’re a history buff, someone who wants to enjoy hot springs and gourmet food, or someone planning a sports training camp, Yuasa Castle is an attractive destination that caters to a variety of needs. When you visit Wakayama Prefecture, be sure to visit Yuasa Castle and experience its unique charm where history and modernity blend seamlessly.
