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Nestled in the mountainous region of Hachioji City, Tokyo, once stood a grand mountain castle known as Hachioji Castle. During the Sengoku period, Hojo Ujiteru, a senior retainer of the Hojo clan, constructed this fortress, one of the largest in the Kanto region, earning a reputation as an “impregnable” stronghold.
Built on mountain slopes with over 200 meters of elevation difference, the castle complex still preserves many attractions, including the Honmaru (Main Keep), the Goshuden (Main Palace), and the Hikibashi Bridge. The thrilling terrain typical of mountain castles, combined with the tragic end of its history, creates a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors.
In addition, Hachioji Castle is a popular hiking destination. In spring, mountain cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, while early summer brings lush greenery. In autumn, the mountains are adorned with colorful leaves, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the seasons.
This guide offers a comprehensive look at Hachioji Castle, from access information and must-see spots to recommendations on how to spend your time there. After reading, you’ll know everything about this remarkable historical site.
With free parking and volunteer-guided tours available, Hachioji Castle is an accessible and enriching historical spot. Located less than two hours from central Tokyo, it offers an authentic mountain castle experience that feels like stepping back in time.
Located in Hachioji City, Tokyo, this mountain castle was built by Hojo Ujiteru, a senior retainer of the Hojo clan, during the Sengoku period. It fell during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign against Odawara, leaving behind a tragic history. Today, the castle ruins are designated as a national historic site and are one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. It’s a popular destination for both hiking enthusiasts and history buffs.
Hachioji Castle was built during the Sengoku period by Hojo Ujiteru, a retainer of the Hojo clan, as a key mountain fortress in the Kanto region known for its strength and defense capabilities.
In 1590, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign against Odawara, the castle was besieged by the forces of Maeda Toshiie and Uesugi Kagekatsu. The castle fell within a day, resulting in the deaths of many samurai, soldiers, and women.
It is said that during the castle’s fall, many women threw themselves into the Goshuden Falls to avoid capture. This tragic event has contributed to the castle being considered a haunted spot to this day.
The former central area of Hachioji Castle, where remnants of stone walls and gardens can still be seen.
A bridge that connects the Goshuden ruins with the hiking trails. Although the current bridge is a reconstruction, visitors can walk across it while experiencing the atmosphere of the Sengoku period.
The ruins of the castle’s main keep feature a shrine and monument. Although the ascent is challenging, the view from the top is mystical and worth the effort.
From this point, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kanto Plain, and on clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji.
This location is said to be where many people lost their lives during the fall of the castle. The serene atmosphere around the falls evokes a sense of the historical weight of the site.
As a mountain castle, the entire site of Hachioji Castle is a hiking course. There are routes for beginners and advanced hikers, allowing visitors to explore the remains of the Sengoku period as they walk through nature.
The path from the entrance of Hachioji Castle to the Hikibashi Bridge and the Goshuden Ruins offers a refreshing walk through the forest.
At the entrance of Hachioji Castle, you’ll find the management office.
This is where volunteer guides are stationed. Visitors can apply for a free guided tour and learn more about the castle.
Guided tours cover routes around the Goshuden Ruins and the Hachioji Castle Ruins Guidance Facility, taking about 60 to 90 minutes.
The tour offers a deeper understanding of Hachioji Castle and its history, making your visit more enjoyable.
Advance reservations for guides are required, and reservations can be made by phone approximately 10 days before your visit.
Next to the management office is the “Castle Ruins Teahouse,” a small café.
While the interior is simple, the teahouse offers traditional crafts such as bamboo charcoal products, as well as drinks and light meals.
One dish you must try here is the “Mountain Vegetable Okowa” (steamed rice). Steamed in a traditional wooden steamer, this dish has a nostalgic taste that is sure to delight you.
The area around the management office serves as the entrance to Hachioji Castle. Right in front of the entrance is a dedicated parking lot for visitors, making it easy to access the site by car.
The parking lot is free, and operating hours are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The parking area is locked outside these hours.
Just before the entrance to Hachioji Castle, you’ll find the Hachioji Castle Ruins Guidance Facility.
This facility offers exhibitions on the history and excavation findings of Hachioji Castle. Visitors can explore artifacts such as armor and other historical items, gaining a deeper understanding of the castle’s history. You can also obtain pamphlets and press the stamp for Japan’s Top 100 Castles here.
Hachioji Castle Ruins Guidance Facility - Hachioji City
The nearest station to Hachioji Castle is JR Takao Station.
Exit from the north entrance of Takao Station, and you’ll see a bus rotary in front of you. Board a bus departing from Stop #1 to reach Hachioji Castle (fare: 180 yen).
The bus stop to get off at is “Hachioji Castle Ruins.” The bus stops at the rotary near the Guidance Facility, and you can board the return bus at the same location.
However, buses to Hachioji Castle only operate on weekends and holidays. There are no bus services on weekdays.
Keio Bus & Nishi Tokyo Bus Schedule to Hachioji Castle Ruins
In such cases, taking a taxi is recommended. There is a taxi stand immediately outside the north entrance of Takao Station.
A taxi ride from JR Takao Station to the Hachioji Castle Ruins Guidance Facility takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs around 1,500 yen.
Walking from the station is not recommended due to the distance, but the taxi fare is relatively affordable, making it a good option if the bus schedule doesn’t work for you or if you’re visiting on a weekday.
Remnants of Hachioji Castle’s former glory, including stone walls and moats, are scattered throughout the site. Experiencing the ancient pathways and walking along the same mountain roads once traveled by samurai creates an irresistible charm.
Follow the hiking trails, cross the Hikibashi Bridge, and continue on to the Goshuden Ruins and the Honmaru Ruins at the summit. This journey feels like a historical reenactment. We highly recommend taking a guided tour with a volunteer guide. Their explanations bring the surroundings to life, enhancing the experience.
Hachioji Castle is also a perfect spot for hiking. In spring, the mountain cherry blossoms bloom, fresh green foliage appears in early summer, and vibrant autumn leaves decorate the scenery. The view from the Honmaru Ruins at the summit offers a breathtaking panorama of the Kanto Plain, with Mount Fuji visible on clear days.
With multiple courses suitable for all levels, free parking, and a teahouse for refreshments, Hachioji Castle offers one of the rare mountain castle experiences in Tokyo. Even though the bus service is only available on weekends and holidays, its accessibility from JR Takao Station makes it an easy destination for a day trip.
Once praised as an “impregnable” castle that fell in a single day, Hachioji Castle now offers a leisurely hiking experience. The wide-open space around the Goshuden Ruins is equipped with tables and benches, making it a perfect spot for a picnic lunch. You can also learn about the castle’s history and access informational materials at the Guidance Facility. After exploring the ruins, you can enjoy a light meal or a refreshing drink at the “Castle Ruins Teahouse.”
Hachioji Castle has truly become a “conquerable” destination in modern times.
(Note: Climbing to the summit where the Honmaru is located requires preparation for mountain hiking. Be sure to research and plan ahead.)
We invite you to visit Hachioji Castle. Whether it’s hiking with a sense of the Sengoku era, enjoying the stunning view from the summit, or savoring mountain vegetable okowa, this unique experience awaits you.
