Azuchi Castle Ruins

The ruins of Azuchi Castle are the national treasure-level castle ruins built by Oda Nobunaga, featuring an unprecedentedly luxurious and gorgeous castle tower. The castle, built entirely of stone walls, is considered one of the largest mountain castles in Japan, and there is a theory that Toyotomi Hideyoshi referred to it when building Osaka Castle. Although the castle tower was destroyed by fire only 10 years after its construction, many remains such as earthen walls and stone walls can still be seen. It is a must-see spot for history lovers.

From the ruins of Azuchi Castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Biwa and the surrounding scenery, making it a popular scenic spot. To reach the castle tower at the summit from the foot of the mountain, you'll need to walk a lot, so it's best to wear comfortable shoes. The large panorama visible from the area where the tower used to be is like a reward for climbing the mountain castle. It's also a perfect spot for commemorative photos, so be sure to visit.

In the area surrounding the ruins of Azuchi Castle, there are various sites associated with Hideyoshi Toyotomi's nephew, Hidetsugu, who served as a subordinate to Oda Nobunaga, the lord of Azuchi Castle. On Mount Hachiman, which can be reached by ropeway, there is Hachiman Castle, which is said to have been built by Hidetsugu Toyotomi. At the foot of the mountain, in Hachiman Park, there is a statue of Hidetsugu Toyotomi. Although he is known as a warrior who met an unfortunate end at a young age, along with the ruins of Azuchi Castle, the remains that convey his achievements are still present in the city of Omihachiman.

Many tourists visit the "Yawata Canal," a moat that has remained since the Azuchi-Momoyama period, along with the Azuchi Castle. The canal is perfect for sightseeing and dating, as you can take a boat tour around the moat or enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the night illumination. In addition, there are many attractions in the surrounding area, such as the old Nakasendo post town and Omihachiman, and in the latter half, you can enjoy a historical walk while overlooking Lake Biwa.

In the city of Omihachiman, where Azuchi Castle is located, there is a facility called "Azuchi Castle Nobunaga's Museum". Inside the facility, you can view a model of Azuchi Castle that was exhibited at the Seville World Expo in Spain, as well as various historical materials related to Azuchi Castle. The model faithfully reproduces even the "Kinpeki Shoji-e" that Oda Nobunaga had Kano Eitoku and his disciples paint. The attraction is that you can still feel a part of the glamorous Azuchi-Momoyama culture in modern times.