Yoshida-Koriyama Castle Audio Guide
Yoshida-Kōriyama Castle, located in Akitakata City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is one of the mo…
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Overview
Overview
Yoshida-Kōriyama Castle, located in Akitakata City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is one of the most prominent mountain castles of the Sengoku period, best known as the stronghold of Mōri Motonari. The castle makes full use of Mount Kōri, rising to 389 meters, with an extensive network of baileys that step up from the Sannomaru to the Ninomaru and finally the Honmaru at the summit. At its height, it is said to have had over 200 enclosures, serving as a critical base for unifying the Chūgoku region. At the foot of the mountain are the graves of Motonari and his family, a must-see for history enthusiasts. Nearby, the Akitakata City History and Folklore Museum offers a detailed diorama of the castle and many exhibits that bring its history to life. The deputy director, Tetsuji Akimoto, known for his humorous and engaging style, is especially popular, making the visit enjoyable for beginners and enthusiasts alike
Access
Access
The easiest way to get there is by car. It’s about 10 minutes from the Takata Interchange on the Chūgoku Expressway and roughly an hour and a half from central Hiroshima City. Along the way, you can stop at the roadside station ‘Mitsuya no Sato Akitakata’ for rest, tourist information, and local specialties. The Akitakata City History and Folklore Museum serves as the trailhead, so combining a museum visit with your climb is highly recommended. The exhibits are clear and accessible, and special events are sometimes held. The trail is well maintained, and it takes about 20 minutes on foot from the trailhead to the Honmaru. On the way, you’ll pass Motonari’s family graves and walk through a rich natural environment before reaching this historic site
Parking
Parking
There is a free parking lot at the Akitakata City History and Folklore Museum near the trailhead, with space for several dozen vehicles. The roadside station ‘Mitsuya no Sato Akitakata’ also has a large lot, making it convenient to visit the museum and castle together. Parking along the road near the site is not allowed, so be sure to use the designated areas. Weekends and event days can be busy, so arriving early is a good idea
Highlights
Highlights
The biggest highlight is the Honmaru, where Mōri Motonari planned his strategies. From the raised turret foundation, you can see the ridgelines of Mount Kōri and get a sense of the Sengoku atmosphere. The Ninomaru and Sannomaru are also impressive, and the defensive features like moats and earthworks along the trail add to the experience. At the foot of the mountain, the Akitakata City History and Folklore Museum is worth a visit for its diorama, rare artifacts, and humorous explanations. The climb itself is pleasant, with birdsong and the rustle of leaves enhancing the sense of history in nature. And in July 2024, a new bronze statue of Mōri Motonari was unveiled in the plaza in front of the museum. The statue, including its pedestal, stands about 3.9 meters tall (1.7 meters for the figure and 2.2 meters for the base), creating a striking new landmark perfect for commemorative photos before or after your climb
