山中城
Yamanaka Castle
Overview
Yamanaka Castle on the western slopes of Hakone (approx. 580 m) in Shizuoka Prefecture was the Later Hōjō clan's most critical fortress guarding the Tōkaidō road. Founded around 1558–1570 and urgently expanded before the expected Toyotomi invasion, it fell on March 29, 1590, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi's massive army of some 60,000 attacked the garrison of around 4,000. The castle fell in barely half a day despite fierce resistance — castle captain Matsuda Yasunaga and Mamiya Yasutoshi both died in the fighting. The castle's extraordinary 'shōji-bori' (latticed moats) and 'une-bori' (ridged moats), unique defensive earthworks designed to trap invaders in mud, are now beautifully maintained as grassy public exhibits. The ruins offer panoramic views of Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, and Suruga Bay.
Connection to Swords
Yamanaka Castle and the Later Hōjō clan are inseparable from Sōshū-den, the supreme tradition of Japanese swordmaking centered on Sagami Province (Kanagawa), which the Hōjō dominated. The tradition produced Masamune, Sadamune, Akihiro, and Hiromasa — the greatest smiths in Japanese sword history. The Hōjō, rulers of Sagami, were the most direct inheritors of this sword culture. The desperate last stand at Yamanaka Castle — half a day against vastly superior Toyotomi forces — embodies the spirit of the Sōshū sword: fighting to the end with unbreakable resolve. The Mishima City Hakone Yamanaka Castle Ruins Museum displays castle history, defensive earthwork models, and related arms.
Highlights
- Shōji-bori and une-bori — extraordinary latticed and ridged moats, uniquely maintained as grassy exhibits
- Panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay — among the finest views on the Tōkaidō
- Daisaki-demaru outpost — where the final stand was made
- Mishima City Yamanaka Castle Ruins Museum — Hōjō castle history and arms
- Hakone hot springs (approx. 20 min) — natural complement to a castle-ruins hike
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.
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