坂本城址 鳥居
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Sakamoto Castle Ruins Otsu Shiga

3.6
·724 reviews·Otsu, Japan

Tranquil lakeside park with a historical monument to samurai Akechi Mitsuhide, offering serene views of Lake Biwa.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light on the lake

CrowdLow
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坂本城址 鳥居

Sakamoto Castle Ruins Otsu Shiga

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light on the lake

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Tranquil lakeside park with a historical monument to samurai Akechi Mitsuhide, offering serene views of Lake Biwa.

3.6
(724 reviews)

"A nice little resting spot with toilets, a place to sit, and a gorgeous view of Lake Biwa."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Parking Available

Convenient free parking is available, making it an easy stop for rest and exploration. :car:

Relax by the Lake

Enjoy the soft sand on the small beach or relax on park benches with lovely Lake Biwa views. :lake_lake:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Akechi Mitsuhide Statue

Akechi Mitsuhide Statue

Central park area

A prominent statue commemorating the samurai Akechi Mitsuhide, a key figure in Japanese history.

Lake Biwa Views

Lake Biwa Views

Lakeside promenade

Breathtaking panoramic vistas of Japan's largest freshwater lake, perfect for quiet contemplation.

Historical Garden

Historical Garden

Park grounds

A beautifully maintained garden offering a serene atmosphere and a glimpse into historical Japanese landscaping.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Serenity

Discover the peaceful charm of Sakamoto Castle Ruins. This lakeside park offers a tranquil escape with historical significance. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Biwa and learn about samurai Akechi Mitsuhide.

Best Footwear for Exploration

While the ruins themselves are minimal, the surrounding park and lakeside offer pleasant walking paths. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the gardens and enjoying the scenic views of Lake Biwa.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on the lake
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful strolls, fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What are some Kyoto day trips that are not Nara or Osaka?

Free Parking Available

Convenient free parking is available, making it an easy stop for rest and exploration. :car:

Relax by the Lake

Enjoy the soft sand on the small beach or relax on park benches with lovely Lake Biwa views. :lake_lake:

Unexpected History

Discover the historical monument dedicated to Akechi Mitsuhide, a fascinating surprise for history buffs. :scroll:

Combine with Omi-Hachiman

Consider visiting Omi-Hachiman for its canal and castle ruins; it's a great day trip combo. :train2:

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Parking Available

Convenient free parking is available, making it an easy stop for rest and exploration. :car:

Relax by the Lake

Enjoy the soft sand on the small beach or relax on park benches with lovely Lake Biwa views. :lake_lake:

Unexpected History

Discover the historical monument dedicated to Akechi Mitsuhide, a fascinating surprise for history buffs. :scroll:

Combine with Omi-Hachiman

Consider visiting Omi-Hachiman for its canal and castle ruins; it's a great day trip combo. :train2:

What Travellers Say

3.6
(724 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Sakamoto Castle Ruins to be a pleasant and peaceful resting spot with lovely views of Lake Biwa and convenient free parking. The historical monument to Akechi Mitsuhide is an unexpected and appreciated feature. While the ruins themselves are minimal, the serene garden and lakeside offer a tranquil experience.

"It’s a nice little resting spot with toilets, a place to sit, and a gorgeous view of Lake Biwa—you can even stroll along the lakeside.

Historically, this is where Akechi Mitsuhide built his castle after betraying Oda Nobunaga in the Honnō-ji Incident. They even have a monument dedicated to him."

ヒマワリの種のリスキーア

"This was such a lovely garden and I love the little history monument they had. I was not expecting it. It also had free parking which was really needed at that time for a rest."

Jazzie Lee Quinn

"The beach nearby is frequented by many fly-fishers late into the evenings. There are park benches. As of June 2023, the grass needs mowing."

Timothy HALL

What People Like

Peaceful lakeside views
Free parking
Historical monument

What People Dislike

Minimal actual ruins

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Kosei Line to Otsu Station (approx. 10-15 minutes). From Otsu Station, you can take a local bus or taxi to the Sakamoto Castle Ruins. Alternatively, consider it as part of a wider exploration of the Otsu area, which is a popular day trip destination from Kyoto. Reddit

Yes, Sakamoto Castle Ruins are accessible by public transport. Buses run from Otsu Station, and it's also a feasible destination if you're exploring other historical sites in the Otsu region. Reddit

From Otsu Station, you can take a local bus or a short taxi ride to reach the Sakamoto Castle Ruins. The journey is relatively quick and convenient. Reddit

Yes, driving is an option, and there is free parking available at the site, which is a significant convenience for visitors. Reddit

The nearest major train station is Otsu Station on the JR Kosei Line. From there, you'll need to use local transport to reach the ruins. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sakamoto Castle Ruins is a public park and historical site, so there is no admission fee. Entry is free for all visitors. Reddit

As a public park, Sakamoto Castle Ruins is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no specific official opening or closing times posted, allowing for flexible visits. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to visit Sakamoto Castle Ruins. It's a free public space for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

While the park is generally accessible, visiting after dark might not be recommended due to lack of lighting and potential safety concerns. It's best enjoyed during daylight hours. Reddit

Information on special events or exhibitions is not widely publicized. It's primarily a historical park and resting spot. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can see the statue of samurai Akechi Mitsuhide, enjoy beautiful views of Lake Biwa, stroll through a historical garden, and relax by the lakeside. The ruins themselves are minimal, but the historical context and natural beauty are the main draws. Reddit

Yes, the lakeside views, especially during golden hour, and the historical monument offer great photographic opportunities. The garden also provides scenic backdrops. Reddit

Yes, restrooms are available at the site, which is convenient for visitors spending time exploring the park. Reddit

You can enjoy a peaceful walk, admire the views of Lake Biwa, learn about the history of Akechi Mitsuhide, and relax by the lakeside. Some visitors enjoy fly-fishing nearby in the evenings. Reddit

Reviews suggest it's a nice resting spot with toilets and seating. While one review from June 2023 mentioned the grass needing mowing, it's generally considered a pleasant park. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no dining facilities directly within the Sakamoto Castle Ruins park itself. Visitors typically bring their own snacks or plan to eat in Otsu city before or after their visit. Reddit

Yes, you can have a picnic at Sakamoto Castle Ruins. There are park benches and open spaces by the lake where you can enjoy your meal. Reddit

The nearest dining options will be in Otsu city. You can find a variety of restaurants and cafes there before or after your visit to the ruins. Reddit

It's advisable to eat before or after your visit, as there are no food vendors on-site. Otsu city offers many choices. Reddit

Information about vending machines is not readily available, so it's best to come prepared with your own refreshments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lakeside promenade offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Biwa, especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset. The Akechi Mitsuhide monument also makes for an interesting historical shot. Reddit

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for capturing the serene lake views. Weekday mornings offer a peaceful atmosphere for photography with fewer people. Reddit

There are no specific restrictions on photography mentioned for this public park. You are free to take photos of the scenery and monuments. Reddit

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive lake views, and a telephoto lens can be good for details on the far side of the lake. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and any posted signage at the park before flying a drone. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sakamoto Castle Ruins offers a relaxed environment for families. The open park space and lakeside area are great for kids to explore safely. While the historical aspects might be more engaging for older children, the natural beauty and open areas provide a pleasant outing. The free parking and restrooms add to the convenience for families. Consider bringing snacks and drinks as there are no food facilities on-site. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, Sakamoto Castle Ruins provides a quiet and contemplative experience. The historical monument to Akechi Mitsuhide offers a tangible link to a significant period in Japanese history. The peaceful lakeside setting is ideal for reflection and enjoying the scenery at your own pace. It's a great spot to combine with other historical sites in the Otsu area for a deeper dive into the region's past. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will appreciate the scenic beauty of Lake Biwa, especially during sunrise and sunset. The Akechi Mitsuhide statue offers a unique subject, and the historical garden provides opportunities for more artistic shots. The soft light and tranquil atmosphere make it a rewarding location for capturing memorable images. Remember to check local regulations if considering drone photography. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Significance of Sakamoto Castle Ruins

Sakamoto Castle Ruins is a site steeped in Japanese history, most notably as the location where the powerful samurai Akechi Mitsuhide built his castle. Mitsuhide famously betrayed and assassinated his lord, Oda Nobunaga, in the Honnō-ji Incident of 1582. Following this pivotal event, Mitsuhide established his stronghold at Sakamoto.

While the castle itself no longer stands, the site serves as a memorial to this tumultuous period. A prominent statue of Akechi Mitsuhide is a central feature, allowing visitors to connect with the historical narrative. The park's location overlooking Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, also played a strategic role in the castle's original design and defense. Exploring the grounds offers a quiet reflection on the events that shaped feudal Japan.

Beyond its connection to Mitsuhide, the area around Sakamoto has a rich history. The nearby Sakamoto district is known for its temples and its connection to the Tendai Buddhist sect. Visiting the ruins provides a chance to appreciate not just a single historical figure, but also the broader historical and cultural landscape of the Otsu region. Reddit

Experiencing the Lakeside Beauty

One of the most appealing aspects of Sakamoto Castle Ruins is its stunning location on the shores of Lake Biwa. The park offers direct access to the lakeside, with a small beach area featuring surprisingly soft sand, a welcome contrast to other parts of the lake. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, enjoying the expansive views of the water and the surrounding landscape.

Park benches are strategically placed, providing perfect spots to sit, relax, and soak in the serene atmosphere. Whether you're watching the fly-fishers who frequent the area in the evenings or simply enjoying the gentle lapping of waves, the lakeside provides a tranquil escape. The natural beauty here is a significant draw, offering a peaceful counterpoint to the historical elements of the site. Reddit

For those who enjoy photography, the lake offers incredible opportunities, particularly during the golden hour when the setting sun casts a warm glow over the water. The combination of historical remnants and the picturesque natural setting makes Sakamoto Castle Ruins a unique and calming destination. Reddit

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