Samurai Residence Street Aki

"I visited here as part of a tour of the castle ruins.
You can access the castle from the entrance directly behind the Calligraphy Museum.
Although it has the feel of a mountain castle, it is not very high in altitude and there is a well-maintained hiking trail, so I was able to climb up without any difficulty.
Some of the stone walls, baileys, and earthen ramparts still remain, allowing you to get a sense of the castle's past.

Castle seals are sold at the adjacent Historical and Ethnographic Museum.
I think you'll enjoy the climb more if you get an overview of the castle here before climbing up."

Seiichi Hoshi

"This is a historic site designated by Aki City, where you can see remains such as a square gate, well, and moat.

There are several parking spaces behind the Ethnographic Museum, along the road next to the houses.

It feels like you're parking on the side of the road, which can be a little confusing, but don't worry.

The castle ruins, with moats and stone walls from the Edo period onwards, as well as the flatland castle that was the residence of the Aki clan in the Middle Ages, make for a quick stroll.

Even though it's a mountain castle, you can climb it in just 5 minutes.
However, it's likely to get muddy on rainy days, so it might be best to avoid it.

By the way, there are no restaurants nearby.
The only place within walking distance is the Kurukawa Furusatokan Museum. It may be closed, so it's best to check beforehand."

T M

"This is the ruins of Hirayama Castle, which was built on a small hill located almost in the center of the delta of Aki City. The altitude is about 40m, and although you will need a cane to climb the castle, the altitude is not that high and there are few steep slopes, so you can basically go up and down easily without a cane. Although the paths leading to and from the ``dan'' and ``tsume'' that make up the castle are well-maintained, they are not paved, so it is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes when going up and down. On rainy days, you should also be careful as many areas become muddy.
Although it was built by the Aki clan during the Kamakura period, it was captured by Motochika Chosokabe. On the other hand, not all of them were destroyed, and the kuruwa and earthworks have been well preserved to this day. On the other hand, each part of the kuruwa and earthworks is only marked with a sign with its name, and there is no explanation of how it came to be. This may be unsatisfactory for those who want to learn about the construction of medieval Japanese castles. Additionally, the information signs posted at the entrance to the castle are basically only in Japanese, so it is not a recommended spot for tourists from overseas.

Located at the center of the delta in Aki City, this is the site of a "Hirayamajiro" (a type of Japanese castle built on a low hill) that once stood atop a gentle 40-meter elevation. Although walking sticks are provided at the entrance, the slope is relatively mild and can be strained without assistance, especially in dry weather.
The paths connecting the castle’s various terraced levels and fortified sections are well-maintained but unpaved. For this reason, wearing sturdy, comfortable footwear is highly recommended. Visitors should be particularly cautious on rainy days, as the trails can become muddy and slippery.
The castle was originally built during the Kamakura period by the Aki clan, but was later captured by Chōsokabe Motochika. Despite this, it was not completely destroyed - many of the earthworks and enclosures (such as Kuruwa and Dorui) remain remarkably well-preserved.
However, interpretive signage is minimal. While some areas are marked with their historical names, there are no descriptions explaining their function or historical context. Furthermore, almost all information on site is provided only in Japanese, making it difficult for international visitors to fully appreciate the significance of the site. For travelers specifically interested in learning about the development of medieval Japanese castles, this location may feel underwhelming unless accompanied by a knowledgeable guide."

HK. Cyber