Iwamura Castle Ruins

WannaGoWannaGo
FavoriteFavorite
Highlight

One of Japan's Three Great Mountain Castles, boasting magnificent stone walls built atop a 717m mountain.

Tourist destination images of Iwamura Castle Ruins(1)
Tourist destination images of Iwamura Castle Ruins(2)
Tourist destination images of Iwamura Castle Ruins(3)
Tourist destination images of Iwamura Castle Ruins(4)

Overview

Iwamura Castle Ruins are located atop a 717m mountain in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture. It's considered one of Japan's Three Great Mountain Castles. Built during the Kamakura period by Kato Kageyasu, a retainer of Minamoto no Yoritomo, it was subsequently controlled by many prominent warlords, including the Oda and Tokugawa clans. The remaining stone walls and earthworks powerfully evoke the castle's grandeur, and the site is designated as a National Historic Site. Also known as "Kirigajo" (Castle in the Mist), its location in a frequently foggy area likely served as a natural defense against enemy attacks. Iwamura Castle Ruins are perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike. From the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Ena and the surrounding mountains. The surrounding area also features historical museums and local history museums where you can learn about the history and culture of Iwamura. Iwamura Castle Ruins are a must-see destination when visiting Gifu Prefecture.

  • Historic Sites
  • Castle

Basic Information

Address
Iwamura-cho, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan Search for tourist attractions in Gifu
Access
Car: Approx. 20 minutes from Ena IC on the Chuo Expressway via National Route 257. Train: Take the JR Chuo Line to Ena Station, then transfer to the Akechi Railway to Iwamura Station. It's about a 30-minute walk from the station. Show route
Op.Hours
24 hours a day
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Free
INFO
There are two parking areas: one near Honmaru (the main keep) and another at the foot of the mountain in front of the Iwamura Castle Museum. The parking area near Honmaru is accessible via a mountain road, so if you have a low-slung car or are not confident in your driving skills, please use the parking lot at the foot of the mountain.
HP
https://iwamura.jp/

Recommended nearby attractions

Naemogi Castle Ruins

Naemogi Castle Ruins
distance 17.314km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Castle
A Sengoku-era mountain castle ruin perched on a steep mountainside.

Akechi Castle

Akechi Castle
distance 8.22km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Castle
A mountain castle said to have been built by Akechi Mitsuhide. While it lacks a main keep, remnants such as stone walls and moats remain.

Iwamura-cho Hon-dori Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings

Iwamura-cho Hon-dori Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
distance 1.214km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
Take a stroll through the historic streetscape that preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period!

Takane Castle Ruins

Takane Castle Ruins
distance 44.226km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Castle
A mountain castle towering on the border between Totomi and Shinano provinces, telling the story of Takeda Shingen's invasion of Totomi. Restored buildings evoke its past glory.

Oniiwa Park

Oniiwa Park
distance 23.787km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Scenic Views
Spectacular scenery created by giant granite rocks weathered by wind and snow! A park where you can enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons.

Sakaori Rice Terraces

Sakaori Rice Terraces
distance 23.017km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Scenic Views
Experience the breathtaking beauty of these historic rice terraces, dating back over 400 years; a landscape that looks like it's straight out of a painting.

Inuyama Castle

Inuyama Castle
distance 46.542km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
  • Castle
  • National Treasure
  • Historic Sites
  • World Heritage
Inuyama Castle: A National Treasure boasting Japan's oldest existing tenshu (main keep)!

Nihon Taisho Mura

Nihon Taisho Mura
distance 8.351km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Castle
A nostalgic theme park where you can immerse yourself in the Taisho Romanticism!

Enakyo Gorge

Enakyo Gorge
distance 14.038km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
  • Scenic Views
  • Historic Sites
Enakyo Gorge is a magnificent valley carved by the Kiso River. Towering cliffs rise dramatically, and you can fully enjoy the valley's beauty from a sightseeing boat.

Nyugankyō Gorge

Nyugankyō Gorge
distance 42.532km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
  • Historic Sites
  • Scenic Views
Experience the majestic beauty of this gorge, featuring sheer cliffs of white limestone and a cave containing a Kannon statue.

Nearby Hotels

HOTEL WINDSOR

7.7 Very Good8 reviews
HOTEL WINDSOR
distance 8.581km from Iwamura Castle Ruins

HOKO GLAMPING

8 Excellent1 reviews
HOKO GLAMPING
distance 9.76km from Iwamura Castle Ruins
©sparkle.travel