A mysterious ancient mountain castle hidden on Mount Kinojo in Soja, Okayama. Walking into this place feels like traveling back in time to an ancient Japanese defensive fortress. Kinojo Castle was built in the late 7th century. At the time, the situation on the Korean Peninsula was unstable, and after Japan was defeated in the Battle of Baekgang in 663, defensive facilities began to be built in northern Kyushu and along the Seto Inland Sea to guard against a possible invasion by the allied forces of Tang and Silla. Kinojo Castle is also believed to have been one of them.
On the way to the parking lot on the mountain, you'll pass along a narrow mountain road, so be especially careful when driving. After arriving at the visitor center, it's about a 10-minute walk to the famous ruins of the West Gate. As you walk slowly along the mountain path, there are observation decks where you can look out over the West Gate and the surrounding mountains. In summer, everything is lush and green, and standing up high with the mountain breeze and the expansive scenery before you feels especially refreshing. Unlike Kyoto or Osaka, this place isn't packed with crowds, giving it a more secluded and mysterious atmosphere.
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