VISIT TOTTORI CITY

Tottori Castle Ruins is a mountain castle built atop Mount Kyusho. Constructed during the Warring States period, it was renowned for its excellent defensive capabilities. Even the famous military commander, Oda Nobunaga, is said to have rated the castle's sturdiness highly. This site has also left its mark on history for the siege of Tottori Castle, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi employed a starvation tactic (a militayr strategy that forces the opponents to surrender by cutting off their food supply). The castle was later renovated by Ikeda Mitsumasa. He summoned craftsmen who had been involved in the construction of Himeji Castle to work on the renovation, and as a result, Tottori Castle is also referred to as “Himeji Castle's younger brother.”

◆Tottori Castle Ruins are a must-see for castle enthusiasts
At Tottori Castle Ruins, visitors can observe how the castle underwent changes from the Warring States period to the Edo period. For this reason, it is also known as a “castle museum.” It is a highly recommended spot for those who are interested in history and castles.

◆Completion of national historic site “Nakano-gomon”
The restoration of Tottori Castle's main gate, Nakano-gomon, built during the Edo period, has been ongoing. The front gate (omote-mon) was completed in 2021, and the gatehouse with a turret over it (yagura-mon) was finally completed in 2025, bringing together the entire main gate complex. An opening ceremony was held to commemorate the completion.

◆Gojoin (castle seal) and Busho-gassen-in (military commander battle seal)
Gojoin are seals or stamps printed with the name and design of a castle, available for purchase as a souvenir when you visit a castle. Busho-gassen-in (military commander battle seals), featuring designs that highlight military commanders and battles from the Warring States period, are also available for purchase.

◆The “100 Famous Castles of Japan” stamp
Tottori Castle Ruins has been selected as one of 100 Famous Castles of Japan.

This video is a recording of Tottori Castle Forum 2024, “A Gift from the Ikeda Family, Feudal Lords of the Tottori Domain,” held on December 14, 2024, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the donation of Tottori Castle Ruins from the Ikeda family, feudal lords of the Tottori domain.


Since 2006, Tottori City has been conducting comprehensive surveys and restoration work on the Tottori Castle Ruins and Taikoganaru, both designated as national historic sites. The restoration of Nakano-gomon, which served as the main gate of the castle, was completed in spring 2025.

This forum aimed to deepen understanding of Tottori Castle during the Edo period and the Ikeda family, who ruled the castle as feudal lords of the Tottori domain. It also seeks to promote the preservation and utilization of historical resources related to the Ikeda family, not only at Tottori Castle Ruins but also within and outside Tottori City. We hope you will enjoy it.

The Battle of Tottori Castle, which has left its mark on Japanese history, is known as a siege (starvation tactic) launched by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This section provides an easy-to-understand introduction to the stage of this battle, the castles involved, and the strategies employed.

◆Tottori Castle: A mountain castle praised as a great castle by Oda Nobunaga
Tottori Castle is a sturdy castle that was praised as a great castle even by Oda Nobunaga, a famous military commander during the Warring States period. Built on a mountain, it was difficult to attack and became the site of prolonged battles.

◆Hideyoshi's siege
Mori's military commanders employed clever strategies to defend the castle. However, Hideyoshi carried out a siege, surrounding the castle and cutting off food supplies in a battle that became a long, drawn-out fight.

◆Main Battlefields

1. Taikoganaru
Taikoganaru was the center of the encirclement built by Hideyoshi, located approximately 1.3 km east of the honmaru (main keep) of Tottori Castle. The remains of the fortifications from that time have remained well preserved till the present day.

2. Maruyama Castle and Kariganeyama Castle
Maruyama Castle was a small castle built to protect supply routes from the river, while Kariganeyama Castle served as an important relay point connecting Maruyama Castle and Tottori Castle. During the battle of Tottori Castle, Oda's forces broke through the pass and cut off the supply routes.

3. Osaki Castle
Osaki Castle was built on a cape protruding out into the sea. Built on a cape 94 meters above sea level, it is surrounded by cliffs on three sides. It was the last supply base left standing, but was burned down about a month before the fall of Tottori Castle.

4. Tsuzurao Castle
Tsuzurao Castle was strategic castle located on the west bank of Lake Koyama. It was defended by Yoshioka Sadakatsu, the master of the palace guards of the Mori family, and threatened the rear of Hideyoshi's army. It withstood three attacks and held out until the fall of Tottori Castle.

5. Shikano Castle
This castle is located on a mountain about 20 km southwest of Tottori Castle. The Mori family regarded it as an important transportation hub connecting the eastern and midwest parts of Tottori Prefecture, and placed hostages of the castle lord there to maintain control.

- For those who want to learn more

The permanent exhibition room at the Tottori City History Museum Yamabikokan provides a detailed introduction to the history of the Inaba region from the Kamakura period to the Warring States period. The siege of Tottori Castle is also featured, including models of the lineup of the military commanders that make it easy to understand the battle.

Access from JR Tottori Station to Tottori Castle Ruins, maps of car parks, nearby tourist facilities, gourmet information, and more.

◆Access to Tottori Castle Ruins and Kyusho Park
This section provides information on public transportation options to reach Tottori Castle Ruins.

◆Gourmet spots Around Tottori Castle Ruins
Take a break during your stroll around Tottori Castle Ruins. This section features restaurants where you can enjoy local food amid a traditional Japanese atmosphere.

◆Nearby tourist facilities
This section introduces tourist spots around Tottori Castle Ruins.

Recommended model itinerary for exploring Tottori Castle Ruins!
(Example) Combine it with a visit to Tottori Sand Dunes! 100 Famous Castles of Japan: Tottori Castle Ruins (3.5-hour itinerary)
Visit Tottori Sand Dunes alongside your visit to Tottori Castle Ruins. This itinerary covers Tottori Castle Ruins and the nearby Warabekan. Warabekan is enjoyable for people of all ages, and it is located indoors so there is no need to worry about the weather.

Tottori Sand Dunes

Warabekan

See information on events around Tottori Castle Ruins

At Tottori Castle Ruins, you can enjoy not only history but also trekking and jogging. There is also wonderful scenery, so we hope you will try exercising here. Tottori Onsen is located near JR Tottori Station, so we recommend stopping by this hot spring after your exercise to enjoy a relaxing dip.