In the Edo Period (1600-1868), the area that now comprises Kumamoto prefecture was one of the only domains to be permitted by the shogun to have two major castles. While the most important fortress was located in Kumamoto city, a second castle was constructed in Yatsushiro in 1619 (after the destruction of a previous fortress in Mugishima). Today, nothing remains of Yatsushiro's commanding castle except for its stone walls and a moat. Still, the city has turned the former grounds into a parkland, best viewed in April and May when the azaleas along the paths are in full bloom.
- 1 min read
Yatsushiro Castle's Historic Ruins
The remains of Kumamoto's second fortress

By Mandy Bartok
Community writer

The high stone walls are all that remain of Yatsushiro Castle

The moat that once encircled the castle is also still intact

Azalea bushes line the walking paths inside the castle walls

The grounds are not very big and take only 5 minutes to walk across

A shrine is located on the south side of the castle grounds

A proliferation of azalea bushes rings the shrine
Join the discussion
Yui Yamaguchi
9 years ago
Ruin looks bit melancholy.
Yui, I was the only one walking around the front of the grounds, and it felt a bit spooky with the overcast skies! But in the back, the azaleas provided some much needed color and there were a number of people visiting the shrine.
Victoria Vlisides
9 years ago
A great, informative read. Really enjoyed the bit of history. It's just yet another example of how interesting Japanese castles and their remnants are...
Thanks, Victoria. I wish the park itself had a bit more information on site (like info panels or a large info board). I had to find most of the history online. Still, it's a pretty place to wander.
Justin Velgus
9 years ago
There have been several old castle sites turned into parks. I like the idea and the pics look really peaceful in the modern era.
Justin, the front part of the park initially seemed rather plain and boring, but once inside the walls, the blooming azaleas really made things "pop".
6 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
2
Ushikoi: Lean Meat Yakiniku Specialist
Tokyo -
3
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
4
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
5
Pokémon Center Fukuoka Reopens This June
Fukuoka -
6
Nintendo Store in Fukuoka to Open in Late 2025
Fukuoka -
7
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
8
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
9
A Journey of Encounters in Kyotango
Kyoto - Sponsored -
10
Tokyo Ranks 12th on Vegan-friendly Cities List
Food
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Sanja Matsuri
Tokyo -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Kanda Matsuri
Tokyo -
10
Guide to PASMO Cards
Guide