Yamanaka-jo Castle Park, Mishima

An ancient hilltop fort with a view of Mount Fuji

Peter Sidell May 22, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The path leading towards the main fortifications</p>

<p>It's easy to spot the site from the road</p>

<p>This natural bowl is ringed with trees and azalea bushes</p>

<p>Even on this grimy day, Mount Fuji is clear to see</p>

<p>Frames support wisteria trees that attract noisily buzzing bees</p>

<p>The mounds, trenches and walls are still as they were</p>

<p>The steep slopes are colorful with flowers now</p>

<p>The park commands a good view of the surrounding hills</p>

<p>If the bushes had been here when the fort was active, it would have been even more difficult to attack</p>

<p>This lion lives at a small roadside temple attached to the fort</p>

<p>Another frame of wiry wisteria trees</p>

About half-way between Mishima and Hakone, Yamanaka-jo was once a hilltop fort, built entirely of earth with a dry moat to repel invaders. These days it's a beautiful, relaxing park where you're surrounded only by trees, fresh air and birdsong and, in season, lavishly colorful flowers like azaleas and wisteria. It also commands a fine view of the surrounding hills and, on a clear day, of Mount Fuji.

If you don't have a car, the bus ride from Mishima Station (south exit, stand 5) takes about 30 minutes and costs ¥610.

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.