[Tamba City, Tamba Prefecture] A hidden gem that is still unknown! Another castle in the sky, "Kuroi Castle Ruins"
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Kuroi Castle Ruins is a mountain castle located in Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture. Kuroi Castle Ruins is a representative mountain castle from Japan's Warring States period (1467-1568), built on Inokuchiyama Mountain, which is 356 meters above sea level. It is also a popular hiking course, and it take...
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We are a voluntary tourism organization that promotes the attractions of the northern part of Kinki, including Tamba, Tajima, Tango, and Wakasa. The flavors of Northern Kinki are not limited to crab, a representative winter sea delicacy, but also oysters, yellowtail, and pufferfish, as well as cockle, rock oysters, and white squid in summer, and mountain flavors such as Tamba chestnuts and Tamba black beans, and the summer fruit, sand dune melon. It is an area where you can enjoy gourmet food all year round. We would be happy to visit the vast Northern Kinki region many times and provide information that will help you take a railway journey.
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Table of Contents
- How to get to Kuroi Castle Ruins
- History of Kuroi Castle Ruins
- Let's climb up to Kuroi Castle ruins! (1 hour trekking one way)
- A spectacular 360-degree panoramic view from the summit! A popular spot for viewing sea of clouds
- Introducing tourist spots around Kuroi Castle ruins
- Summary of Kuroi Castle Ruins
- Check out the tourist information for Tamba City here
How to get to Kuroi Castle Ruins
Tamba city is located in the central eastern part of Hyogo prefecture. The Kuroi Castle ruins are in the Kasuga area of Tamba city, and the surrounding area is a former castle town where old streetscapes and buildings remain.
You can get to Tamba city in about an hour and a half from Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe. The nearest train station is JR Kuroi Station, and if you are traveling by car or bus, it is just off the Kasuga Interchange on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway.
By train
▶If you are using the express train
Take the "Konotori Limited Express" from "Shin-Osaka Station" or "Osaka Station" to "Kaibara Station" for about 80 minutes.
Change to the local train at Kaibara Station and get off at Kuroi Station. From there it is about a 15-minute walk to the trailhead for the Kuroi Castle ruins.
▶ If you are using a local train
From "Osaka Station" take the JR Takarazuka Line or Fukuchiyama Line "(Tamba) Rapid" to "Sasayamaguchi Station" (approximately 76 minutes).
From Kobe Station, change to the (Tamba) Rapid Train at Amagasaki Station and get off at Sasayamaguchi Station (approx. 90 minutes).
→ Change to a local train at Sasayamaguchi Station and take it to Kuroi Station (approx. 40 minutes).
It is about a 15-minute walk from Kuroi Station to the trailhead for Kuroi Castle ruins.
By car or bus
From Osaka or Kobe, take the Chugoku Expressway, turn off at Yoshikawa JCT, and take the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway to Kasuga IC, which is about 80 minutes away.
- Take a highway bus from Osaka or Kobe to Kasuga IC bus stop, approximately 80 minutes.
→From Kasuga IC, it is about an 8-minute drive or 40-minute walk to the trailhead for Kuroi Castle ruins.
Further detailed explanation of how to get to Tamba City
History of Kuroi Castle Ruins
Kuroi Castle ruins was the castle of the Akai clan, the rulers of the Tamba region in the late Middle Ages. The entire Inokuchiyama mountain, 356 meters above sea level, was a fortress, and it is a representative mountain castle ruin of the Sengoku period. Defensive facilities were built all over the mountain, and it twice fended off attacks by Akechi Mitsuhide, a vassal of the Sengoku warlord Oda Nobunaga.
The castle's lord, Akai Naomasa, was a brave warrior and well-known in Japan during the Sengoku period. Known as the " ogre of Tamba ," he was said to have been extremely strong in battle. The castle withstood numerous attacks from Akechi's army, but in 1578 Akai Naomasa died of illness. In 1579, the isolated Kuroi Castle finally fell. Although no buildings remain, the stone walls, a feature of Japanese castles, remain on the mountaintop. The castle ruins have been designated a Japanese Cultural Property.
Let's climb up to Kuroi Castle ruins! (1 hour trekking one way)
The trailhead for the Kuroi Castle ruins is at the foot of Inokuchiyama. There is a temple called Kozenji nearby, and it is said that the lord of Kuroi Castle lived here in peacetime. In addition to a parking lot, there are paid toilets in the square at the trailhead.
There are two hiking trails to choose from depending on your physical ability. One is a relatively gentle "gentle trail", and the other is a "steep trail" with many steep slopes, for those with good legs. Either trail will take you to the summit in about 50 minutes.
The hiking trail is a natural mountain path, so do not hike lightly. Wear suitable hiking shoes, a hat, and long pants. The "steep course" in particular has a series of stairs and steep slopes, so if you are not confident in your physical strength, we recommend the "gentle course." The entrance to the trailhead is fenced off to keep animals away. Open the gate in the fence to enter, and be sure to close the gate before hiking.
The "Gentle Course" is lined with trees, making it relatively cool even on hot days. Enjoy forest bathing as you make your way to the summit. When you see Akamon Gate at the "Stone Steps", you're almost at the top. From Akamon you can get a panoramic view of the Kasuga area. After this, the course joins the "Steep Slope Course". There are benches along the way, so you can take a break as you climb.
From here onwards, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky, so please climb with care. Once you get over the rocky area, you will come to the remains of the Higashikuruwa (Eastern Bailey), which offers a great view, and Sannomaru, which still retains the atmosphere of stone walls from the Warring States period. After passing Ninomaru, you will finally arrive at Honmaru, where the castle once stood, at the top of the mountain. From Honmaru, where the large castle ruins once stood, you can see a magnificent view of Tamba city. The summit is a great spot for photos, so we recommend taking some to commemorate your climb.
A spectacular 360-degree panoramic view from the summit! A popular spot for viewing sea of clouds
The summit of Kuroi Castle ruins is unobstructed, so you can enjoy a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view. A refreshing breeze blows through the summit, making it one of the recommended spots for escaping the heat in the summer.
From autumn to early winter, it is also a popular spot for viewing sea of clouds. Sea of clouds is a natural phenomenon in which clouds and fog spread across the sky, making it look like an ocean. Clouds spread out like an ocean on the mountaintop, creating a truly fantastical view.
The main conditions for seeing the sea of clouds are extremely cold in the mornings and evenings, and clear skies early in the morning. It can be seen from sunrise to early in the morning. Since you will need to climb the mountain early in the morning, we recommend that you stay overnight if you want to enjoy the scenery above the clouds.
If the conditions are right for viewing the sea of clouds, you will surely be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery above the clouds!
Introducing tourist spots around Kuroi Castle ruins
There are other sightseeing spots around the Kuroi Castle ruins where you can enjoy history and gourmet food. Be sure to visit them and enjoy Tamba City to the fullest.
Summary of Kuroi Castle Ruins
Kuroi Castle Ruins is a hidden gem that is easy to climb and offers a panoramic view of the Tamba landscape. A safe hiking trail has been established, so even beginners can enjoy hiking with ease.
In addition to being able to see the remains of a typical mountain castle from the Warring States period up close, you can also enjoy the tranquil Japanese countryside, with farmland and the Kuroi River spreading out from the summit. From autumn to winter, you can also see the sea of clouds, so be sure to get up early and enjoy the fantastic view of the sea of clouds.
Check out the tourist information for Tamba City here
Tamba City Tourism Association Homepage
We introduce events held in Tamba City, gourmet information, and attractions.
Tamba City Tourism Department Official Website "SATURDAY TAMBA"
Introducing places to visit in Tamba City! It's full of information that will make you want to come and visit Tamba City on the weekend!
Tamba City Tourism Department Official Instagram "SATURDAY TAMBA"
We deliver the latest information on Tamba City! Be sure to check it out before you go out!
We are a voluntary tourism organization that promotes the attractions of the northern part of Kinki, including Tamba, Tajima, Tango, and Wakasa. The flavors of Northern Kinki are not limited to crab, a representative winter sea delicacy, but also oysters, yellowtail, and pufferfish, as well as cockle, rock oysters, and white squid in summer, and mountain flavors such as Tamba chestnuts and Tamba black beans, and the summer fruit, sand dune melon. It is an area where you can enjoy gourmet food all year round. We would be happy to visit the vast Northern Kinki region many times and provide information that will help you take a railway journey.
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