Castle & Palace · Motohachioji / Hachioji

Hachioji Castle Ruins 八王子城跡

The mountainside ruins of a great Hojo-clan castle that fell in a single bloody day in 1590. Restored stone walls and a reconstructed gate and bridge sit at the foot of the forest, and a steep trail climbs to the main keep site with views over the Kanto plain.

About

Hachioji Castle was built in the 1580s by Hojo Ujiteru as a western bulwark of the Hojo domain. It was stormed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's armies on 23 June 1590 while most of its garrison was away, and it fell in a day. Legend says the women of the castle threw themselves into the waterfall below, and locals say the site is haunted. Today it is a National Historic Site and one of Japan's Top 100 Castles. At the bottom, the Goshuden (lord's residence) area has a reconstructed wooden bridge, beautifully restored stone-walled gate passages and the outlines of the palace floor. A forest trail climbs about 40–60 minutes to the summit honmaru, with a small shrine and a view over Tokyo. A guidance centre at the trailhead has free maps and volunteer guides.

Highlights

• Reconstructed Hikihashi wooden bridge and stone gate passages at the Goshuden
• A National Historic Site and one of Japan's Top 100 Castles
• A forested climb to the summit honmaru with Kanto plain views
• The haunted legend of the Goshuden waterfall
• A free guidance centre with maps and volunteer guides

Tips

• Weekend buses from Takao Station North Exit run directly to Hachioji-jo-ato. On weekdays take the bus to Reien-mae and walk about 20 min.
• Wear proper shoes. The summit trail is steep and slippery after rain.
• Pick up a Top 100 Castles stamp at the guidance centre.
• Allow 2–3 hours for both the Goshuden and the summit.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Mausoleum of Emperor ShōwaLandmark & Tower · 1.8 km away
• Kogesawa Plum GrovePhoto Spot · 2.3 km away
• TAKAO 599 MUSEUMMuseum · 2.7 km away
• Takaosanguchi Tourist Information CenterTourist Info · 2.7 km away
• Takaosanguchi StationTransit Hub · 2.7 km away
• Itchodaira Cherry Trees (Mt. Takao)Photo Spot · 3.7 km away
• Mount TakaoNature & Hike · 3.8 km away
• Koshu-kaido Ginkgo Avenue (Hachioji)Photo Spot · 5.1 km away