Visit HYOGO

Izushi is a quiet castle town in Toyooka City in Hyogo Prefecture.
The Izushi Castle Ruins, which are the symbol of the town, are the remains of a castle built the Koide family, who once ruled these lands.
This was a hirayamajiro, a castle built in a low area at the foot of a mountain, and its proximity to the town meant that the people of the town lived cooperatively with the castle lords, and the two prospered together.
An order given to abandon castles during the Meiji period (1868–1912) led to most of the building being demolished, but the nozurazumi walls, made by piling rough, natural stone without any processing, still retain their original appearance today. Plus, the watchtowers that stand at the corners of the castle and the entry gate and bridge used to access the castle have been reconstructed based on historic designs, so you can picture what the castle once looked like as you enjoy a leisurely walk around.
　
As you approach the castle ruins, you’ll first reach a flight of stone steps that evoke its history. Ascend these steps, and you’ll find the bright red torii gates of an Inari Shrine. The rows of vermillion torii, rising higher and higher, make for a spectacular sight. Through these torii, at the top of the steep steps, lies a magnificent view! You can look out over the castle town, built in the form of a grid, and its symbol, the Shinkoro Clock Tower that stands tall in the center, and enjoy beautiful scenery that combines history and elegance.

After taking a walk around the castle ruins, make sure you try the local specialty, Izushi sara soba noodles. This style involves soba noodles served on multiple small plates, and you can add condiments to each to your taste. As each eatery offers different combinations of soba and condiments, you can have fun trying the different options.

Izushi Castle Ruins appear different in each of the four seasons, with cherry blossoms in the spring, crimson leaves in the fall, and snowscapes in the winter. Why not take a leisurely walk around a town where you can feel the weight of history as you savor delicious food? It’ll surely make for a special and unforgettable day.