Sumoto Castle Ruins

Sumoto Castle Ruins (洲本城, Sumoto-jo) sit high atop Mount Mikuma on Awaji Island, offering stunning views of the sea, the town of Sumoto, and even as far as Wakayama and Kansai Airport. Although the original castle was dismantled in the Edo Period, many of the stone walls and pathways remain. The walk up to the ruins is peaceful, surrounded by nature and panoramic scenery, making it a great spot for a stroll and a view.

The castle was first built in 1526 by Atagi Haruoki and later expanded by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s commanders to protect Osaka. Though it served as a military fort for a short time, its role in Japan's feudal history was important. At the mountain’s base is the Awajishima Museum, which showcases artifacts from the castle’s past. In 1928, a concrete keep was added—Japan’s oldest reconstructed keep—though it's more symbolic than authentic.