Tottori Castle Ruins

Tottori Castle Ruins, perched on the northeastern slopes of Mount Kyusho, offer a captivating window into Japan’s tumultuous feudal era. Originally constructed in 1532, the castle served as a vital regional stronghold during the Sengoku (Warring States) period and later became the power base for the influential Ikeda Clan throughout the Edo Period. While the main structures were dismantled during the Meiji Restoration’s modernization drive, the remaining stone walls and a lone wooden gate stand as silent witnesses to the past. The site transforms each spring when hundreds of cherry trees burst into bloom along the ramparts, attracting visitors who come to enjoy hanami amidst breathtaking panoramic views of Tottori City from the castle courtyards.

Nestled at the foot of the ruins is Jinpukaku, an elegant white wooden mansion built in 1907 by the former lord as a symbol of modernity. This European-style building features charming verandas, classic brick fireplaces, and a striking wooden spiral staircase—hallmarks of early 20th-century design. Notably, Jinpukaku was the first building in Tottori to be equipped with electric lighting, reflecting the city’s embrace of modernization. Over its lifetime, it has served multiple roles, including a guest house for the crown prince and a prefectural museum. Today, Jinpukaku houses a modest museum dedicated to the Ikeda Clan and functions as a venue for public events. The building is currently closed for renovation and is expected to reopen in 2028 or early 2029.