Nobeoka Castle Ruins
Shiroyama Park

Established around the ruins of Nobeoka Castle, originally built in 1603 by Mototane Takahashi, the first lord of the Nobeoka Domain, Shiroyama Park is a significant historical site overlooking the city. Consisting of three main areas—the Honmaru (main enclosure), Ninomaru (second enclosure), and Sannomaru (third enclosure)—the park is renowned as one of Miyazaki Prefecture’s most representative examples of early modern Japanese castle architecture.

A notable highlight is the impressively tall stone wall at the Ninomaru, which stands 19 meters high. Constructed to protect the Honmaru from invasion, it is famously called the "Sennin-goroshi-no-Ishigaki" (Thousand-Person Killer Wall), due to a legend that removing its foundation stones would cause it to collapse onto and defeat numerous attacking enemies.

The park is also celebrated as one of Japan’s three major habitats for wild Japanese camellias (yabu-tsubaki), with over 3,300 camellia trees of 108 varieties blooming beautifully from late October through late April. In springtime, approximately 300 cherry blossom trees create a charming landscape, transforming the castle ruins into a picturesque setting. During peak bloom, nighttime illumination accentuates the enchanting beauty of the blossoms and historic structures, offering visitors a truly magical experience.