Kinojo Castle Western Gate

Soja, Japan, Japan

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Kinojo Castle Western Gate is the only restored gate of the ancient mountain castle known as Kinojo (or Kino Castle) on Mount Kinojo in Soja City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

Built around the late 7th century, possibly as a defensive mountain fortress after the Battle of Baekgang, the castle once had a 2.8 km wall with four gates and six water gates, but today only the west gate and an adjacent corner turret have been reconstructed so visitors can see them up close.

The restored western gate includes an observation deck that offers a wide panoramic view over the Soja plains and toward Okayama City and the Seto Inland Sea, making it the main highlight of the site for most visitors. The castle is also famous for its connection to local legends, especially the story of the demon Ura and the origin of the Momotaro (Peach Boy) tale, and it is listed among Japan’s 100 most famous castles, even though almost no original structures survive above ground.