Yamanaka Castle Audio Guide
Shoji‑bori earthworks and Mt. Fuji
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Overview
Overview
Yamanaka Castle, near Hakone Pass in Mishima, Shizuoka, is an earthen fortress built by the Later Hojo clan. Traditionally credited to Hojo Ujiyasu and expanded under Hojo Ujimasa in preparation for Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s 1590 campaign, it nonetheless fell in a famously brief battle. The site has no stone walls; instead, it features ingenious earthworks such as “shoji‑bori” and “une‑bori,” whose geometric patterns are both defensive and surprisingly beautiful. Today it is a nationally designated historic site.
Access
Access
By car, it’s about 40 minutes from the Numazu Interchange (Tomei Expressway) or the Nagaizumi‑Numazu Interchange (Shin‑Tomei), via Route 1. From the Kanagawa side, it’s just over Hakone Pass—though note that a newer bypass can make the turn‑off easy to miss. By public transport, take a bus from JR Mishima Station to the “Yamanaka‑jo ato” stop, which is right by the entrance. It pairs well with visits to Odawara Castle or Hakone hot springs.
Parking
Parking
A free parking lot is located beside the main entrance, making access simple. From the lot you can follow the marked route to the Nishinomaru and Honmaru areas. There is also an entrance to the Daisaki Demaru area on the opposite side of the parking lot—worth visiting for a fuller understanding of the outer defenses.
Highlights
Highlights
The showpiece is the exquisitely patterned shoji‑bori and une‑bori. The Nishinomaru shoji‑bori is especially impressive, with a scenic backdrop that can include Mishima City and Mount Fuji. Parts were damaged by recent typhoons but have been carefully restored. Walking the perimeter paths reveals a strong sense of a mountain‑edge fortress blending into nature, and the Daisaki Demaru adds an excellent perspective on the castle’s outer defensive lines.
