Gassan Toda Castle Ruins

This mountain castle is known as the main castle of the Amago clan, a feudal lord in the Warring States period. It is an impregnable fortress with many forts on a U-shaped hill centering on Gassan, where the main castle is located. After the fall of the Amago clan, the Mori clan took control of the castle, but after the Battle of Sekigahara, the Horio clan moved into the castle. Later, when the Horio clan moved their residence to Matsue Castle, the castle was abandoned in 1615 under the "One Castle per Province" law. 100 Fine Castles of Japan.

Today, stone walls, moat cutouts, and other remains remain. The castle is designated as a National Historic Site, one of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan, and a component cultural property of the Japan Heritage List. The castle is also home to a statue of Amago Tsunehisa, who is known as one of the "three great Chinese generals," and a statue of Yamanaka Shikanosuke, who remained loyal to his family and devoted himself to the revival of the Amago clan.

The steep military road from Yamanaka Gotendaira to the summit called "Nanamagari" (seven bends) is a problematic point. Several hiking trails take about 60 minutes to reach the summit. The "Taiko-no-dan," which announced the time during standard times and sent signals to vassals in times of war or other emergencies, is now known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.