Oshiroyama Observatory, Kawahara Castle
An iconic tower steeped in history, offering breathtaking views
This site was previously home to Maruyama Castle, where the famous 16th-century military commander, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is said to have based his headquarters during his siege of Tottori Castle. The current structure is a castle restored in the 1900s as an iconic tower that stands as a symbol of Kawaramachi.
The interior serves as a local history museum, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Kawaramachi. Replicas of the kin-no-shachihoko (golden fish ornaments) that once adorned the main keep, as well as exhibits on the history of Kawaramachi's pottery, and fishing tools to catch the local specialty, ayu, are on display.
The third floor is especially popular, with features that include a 3D visual display of the legend of Princess Yakami and a diorama depicting the sankin-kotai system from the Edo period (sankin-kotai was a system that required feudal lords to serve in Edo several months each year, then leave their wives and children in Edo when they returned to their fiefs).
Visitors can take in the beautiful seasonal views from the top floor of the keep. On clear days, a breathtaking picture spreads out before you, overlooking Tottori Sand Dunes and the Chugoku Mountains in the distance
The interior serves as a local history museum, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of Kawaramachi. Replicas of the kin-no-shachihoko (golden fish ornaments) that once adorned the main keep, as well as exhibits on the history of Kawaramachi's pottery, and fishing tools to catch the local specialty, ayu, are on display.
The third floor is especially popular, with features that include a 3D visual display of the legend of Princess Yakami and a diorama depicting the sankin-kotai system from the Edo period (sankin-kotai was a system that required feudal lords to serve in Edo several months each year, then leave their wives and children in Edo when they returned to their fiefs).
Visitors can take in the beautiful seasonal views from the top floor of the keep. On clear days, a breathtaking picture spreads out before you, overlooking Tottori Sand Dunes and the Chugoku Mountains in the distance
Category
Basic Information
- Address (Japanese)
- 680-1242 鳥取県鳥取市河原町谷一木1011
- Opening Times
- Summer (April to September): 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Winter (October to March): 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. - Closed
- Monday and Year-end/New Year holidays (open until noon on New Year's Day)
*Closed on the following day if Monday is a national holiday - Prices
- Admission fee: 300 yen
*Free admission for senior high school students and younger, those aged 65 and older, and persons with disabilities (including accompanying persons)
Group discount is available - Access
- ・Approx. 25 minutes by car from Tottori Station
・Approx. 25 minutes by bus (Hinomaru/Nanbu Main Line) from Tottori Station; alight at "Kawaharamachi Sogo-shisho Mae” and walk for about 20 minutes
・Approx. 10 minutes by car from Kawahara IC on the Tottori Expressway - Car Park
- 17 spaces (free parking)
- Website
- Official website（Japanese）
