Maruyama Castle Ruins [Kawamoto-machi, Ohchi]

A hidden spot with a spectacular view of the sea of clouds below on a fine day

In Kawamoto, there was a time when the Ogasawara clan flourished. This was during the period of the Warring States at the end of the Middle Ages. It is said that there was a castle built with stone walls at the top of the mountain, and the remains are still there today.

Maruyama Castle is the only medieval mountain castle in the Iwami region, and it has some unusual features for Japan, including the fact that it has almost no defensive facilities. It is certainly an interesting archaeological site for people who love history.

Another attraction is the stunning views from the top of the mountain. If you climb up the mountain early in the morning on a sunny day, you can see a beautiful sea of clouds spreading out below you.

Unfortunately, it was a cloudy day when Miwa Ishihara walked up, but the panoramic view after climbing the 300-meter trail while gasping for breath was exhilarating.

“The view was worth the effort of climbing. Although there are only a few stone walls left now, history buffs will love to sit here and quietly ponder the romance of the Warring States period,” said Miwa.