Otsu Castle Ruins
Explore the historic Usayama Castle ruins atop Mount Usa, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Otsu Castle Ruins
Best Time
Tranquil atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the historic Usayama Castle ruins atop Mount Usa, offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
"The view from Mount Usa Terrace was amazing. One of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Slippery leaves and steep slopes mean hiking boots are a must for a safe and enjoyable climb.
🚗 Parking at Omi Shrine
Consider parking at Omi Shrine and walking the historic approach for a more complete experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Usayama Castle Stone Walls
Main and secondary baileys
Discover the remnants of a strategic castle built by Mori Kanenari, featuring impressive stone walls.
Mount Usa Terrace View
Summit of Mount Usa
Breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Biwa and the surrounding landscape await at this scenic overlook.
Usa Hachiman Shrine
Base of Mount Usa
A historic shrine with a foundation stone from Minamoto no Yoriyoshi, offering a peaceful start to your hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trek Smart: Gear Up for the Climb
Timing is Everything: Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Slippery leaves and steep slopes mean hiking boots are a must for a safe and enjoyable climb.
🚗 Parking at Omi Shrine
Consider parking at Omi Shrine and walking the historic approach for a more complete experience.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The hike can be challenging; stay hydrated and fueled, especially on warmer days.
📸 Capture the Views
The Mount Usa Terrace offers stunning vistas, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Slippery leaves and steep slopes mean hiking boots are a must for a safe and enjoyable climb.
🚗 Parking at Omi Shrine
Consider parking at Omi Shrine and walking the historic approach for a more complete experience.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
The hike can be challenging; stay hydrated and fueled, especially on warmer days.
📸 Capture the Views
The Mount Usa Terrace offers stunning vistas, perfect for photography enthusiasts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the breathtaking views from Mount Usa Terrace and the historical significance of the Usayama Castle stone walls. The hike is considered a rewarding local activity, though it can be steep and slippery. Many appreciate the community-driven information along the trail.
"Today, my wife and I climbed Mt. Usa.
I learned of Usa Hachiman Shrine and Usayama Castle when I visited Omi Shrine previously.
It took about an hour and a half for us to leisurely hike there and back.
It's not a particularly steep path, but there are some slippery spots due to fallen leaves, so it's best to wear hiking boots and other appropriate gear.
The view from Mt. Usa Terrace was amazing. I've climbed 60 mountains this time, and this was one of the most breathtaking views I've ever seen.
Usayama Castle was apparently built by order of Mori Kanenari, a military commander under Oda Nobunaga. The stone walls below the main and secondary baileys remain, and are truly worth seeing. I would definitely like to climb again and see the northern baileys."
カニケン
"I didn't have enough time to go up to the castle.
You can purchase castle seals at the Homochikan in Omi Shrine!"
Rider Bolt
"The first lord of the castle, Yoshinari Mori, was killed in a battle against the Asakura and Asai allied forces in Sakamoto in 1570.
Usayama Castle was prevented from falling through a brave fight by its vassals, and was pushed back by Nobunaga's entry.
The second lord of the castle, Akechi Mitsuhide, built Sakamoto Castle after achieving successes such as burning down Mt. Hiei.
(The above is from the Honmaru explanation board)
The castle ruins consist of the Honmaru, the Ninomaru on the south side, and the Sannomaru on the north side.The Honmaru currently houses the broadcasting building, with a stone wall directly below it, the Koguchi Ruins between the Ninomaru, and the Sannomaru with a view towards Lake Biwa.
There is a forest road to Toyohira Inari Shrine just below Hachiman Shrine, and you can park here, but the road is a little rough along the way and you won't be able to leave the shrine, so it might be better to park at Omi Otsu Shrine or somewhere else and walk along the historic approach to Hachiman Shrine.
It took about 20 minutes from Hachimangu Shrine to Honmaru.
I saw it at Hachiman Shrine during a Shinto ritual.
Hachimangu Shrine was also destroyed in the battle of 1570, and the burnt foundation stone from Minamoto no Yoriyoshi's founding is now enshrined in Hachimangu Shrine."
けいじょう
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ruins are located atop Mount Usa. You can park at Omi Shrine and begin your hike from there. The climb takes approximately 30 minutes from the shrine. Some suggest parking near Toyohira Inari Shrine, but the road can be rough.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, Omi Shrine is accessible by public transport in Otsu. From there, you can walk to Usa Hachiman Shrine.
The most common approach is via the hiking trail from Usa Hachiman Shrine. This path is steep but rewarding.
No, you cannot drive directly to the castle ruins. Parking is available at Omi Shrine or potentially near Toyohira Inari Shrine, followed by a hike.
The hike is steep and can be slippery, making it challenging for those with mobility issues. The main attractions are the ruins and the view from the summit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no admission fees for the Otsu Castle Ruins or Mount Usa. Access to the hiking trails and ruins is free.
The ruins are accessible during daylight hours as they are part of a natural hiking area. Usa Hachiman Shrine also has its own operating hours.
Castle seals can be purchased at the Homochikan in Omi Shrine, which is near the base of Mount Usa.
Typically, there is no entrance fee for Usa Hachiman Shrine itself, though donations are often appreciated.
Official guided tours specifically for the Otsu Castle Ruins are not widely advertised. Exploring independently or with local knowledge is common.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the remaining stone walls of the main and secondary baileys, and enjoy panoramic views from Mount Usa Terrace. Information boards detail the castle's history.
A leisurely hike to the summit and back can take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the top.
The hike is considered moderately challenging due to its steep gradient and potentially slippery sections, especially after rain or with fallen leaves.
Restroom facilities are likely available at Omi Shrine, but may be limited or non-existent directly at the castle ruins or on the hiking trail.
The castle was built by Mori Kanenari under Oda Nobunaga's orders to defend the western side of Lake Biwa. It played a role in the conflicts of the Sengoku period.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mount Usa Terrace offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Biwa. The remaining stone walls also make for compelling historical shots.
Yes, the elevated position provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography, especially of Lake Biwa and the surrounding mountains.
Early morning or late afternoon light can offer beautiful golden hour shots. Midday can be harsh, but the views are still impressive.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in protected historical or natural areas.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, be mindful of any signage or restrictions, especially near any broadcasting facilities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Reaching the Mount Usa Terrace provides a fantastic opportunity for a family picnic with a view. The panoramic scenery of Lake Biwa is a great reward after the climb. While the castle ruins themselves are primarily stone walls, explaining the historical context of a castle and its defenders can spark imagination. Ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for the uneven terrain, and pack plenty of water and snacks to keep energy levels up.
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Hikers
Consider extending your exploration by researching the different baileys of the castle (Honmaru, Ninomaru, Sannomaru) and trying to identify them during your visit. The opportunity to see remnants of strategic stone wall construction from the Sengoku period is a highlight for history buffs. Remember to wear proper hiking gear, including sturdy shoes and comfortable clothing, and be prepared for potentially slippery sections.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Usayama Castle
The castle's history is intertwined with major figures of the era. Mori Kanenari himself met his end in battle against the Azai-Asakura alliance in 1570. Despite this loss, the castle's vassals bravely defended it, preventing its immediate fall until Nobunaga's forces intervened. Following these events, Akechi Mitsuhide, another key figure in Nobunaga's regime, later built Sakamoto Castle after achieving notable successes, including the burning of Mount Hiei. The ruins today, comprising the Honmaru (main enclosure), Ninomaru (secondary enclosure), and Sannomaru (northern enclosure), offer a glimpse into this strategic past, with remnants of stone walls still visible.
Visitors can learn more about the castle's history from explanation boards located at the site, such as the one found in the Honmaru. These boards often detail the castle's lords, key battles, and its role in the regional power struggles. The presence of a broadcasting building in the Honmaru area is a modern addition, but the historical stone walls directly below it remain a testament to its former glory. The Sannomaru, in particular, offers a view towards Lake Biwa, highlighting the castle's strategic vantage point.
Hiking Mount Usa: A Local's Perspective
The journey up Mount Usa is enhanced by thoughtful touches, such as information boards written by local elementary school students, which add a charming, community-driven feel to the trail. These boards provide insights into the local flora, fauna, and history, making the hike more engaging. Upon reaching the summit, the Mount Usa Terrace provides a spectacular reward: a breathtaking view that stretches across Lake Biwa and the surrounding landscape. This vista is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful, even by seasoned hikers who have climbed many mountains.
Even local elderly residents are seen making the climb as a form of exercise, underscoring the mountain's role as a beloved local spot. This suggests that while the climb can be challenging, it is accessible and enjoyed by a wide range of people. The combination of historical exploration, natural scenery, and community engagement makes hiking Mount Usa a unique and memorable experience.
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