Yonago-jō ato Castle Ruins

Yonago, Japan, Japan

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Yonago-jō ato Castle Ruins (Yonago Castle Ruins) are the remains of a hilltop castle on 90-meter Mount Minato (Minatoyama) in the center of Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture, Japan, originally developed in the late 15th century and later rebuilt in 1591 by Kikkawa Hiroie as a major regional stronghold controlling both land routes and Sea of Japan trade. The site was also known as Kume Castle or Minatoyama Castle, evolved into one of the first early-modern castles in the San’in region with multi-story keeps and extensive stone walls, but after the Meiji Restoration all wooden structures were removed in 1874–1880, leaving only well-preserved stone walls, foundation stones, and moats, which have been protected as a National Historic Site since 2006 and recognized as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles in 2017. Today the ruins are maintained as Minatoyama Park, accessible on foot or by car, with walking paths leading to the summit where visitors can view Yonago City, the Sea of Japan, Lake Nakaumi, and Mount Daisen, and the park is particularly popular for cherry blossoms in spring and seasonal flowers throughout the year.