Yamanaka Castle had been abandoned for a long time since the battle in 1590. In 1930, a descendant of Naosue Hitotsuyanagi made a plan for the historic site. As a result, the ruins were designated as a National Historic Site in 1934. In addition, Mishima City excavated the ruins and developed them as a historical park between 1972 and 1993. That’s why we can now enjoy visiting the park, learning history, and relaxing.
The dry moat called “Shoji-bori” and Mt. Fuji
My Impression
The development for the Yamanaka-jo Castle Park was completed in 1993, nearly 30 years ago. I think that this is one of the very early cases for historical parks in Japan. This can also be a good model for the historical parks for other castles which are now being developed. Basically, the western slope of the Hakone Barrier has been a perfect spot for viewing Mt. Fuji. If the weather is fine, you can get both views of the mountain and the castle ruins there.
A view of Mt. Fuji from the ruins
How to get There
If you want to visit there by car: From the east, it takes about 30 minutes from Hakoneguchi IC on Seisho Bypass. From the west, it takes about 40 minutes from Numazu IC on Tomei Expressway. The park offers a parking lot at the entrance. By bus, get on the Tokai Bus bound for Moto-Hakone-Ko from the south entrance of Mishima Station, and get off at the Yamanaka-Jo-Ato bus stop. To get to the Mishima Station from Tokyo: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen Super Express.
