Gujo Hachiman Castle

Located in the heart of Gujo Hachiman, Gujo Hachiman Castle is known as the “Castle in the Sky.”
Surrounded by green mountains and standing at an elevation of 354 meters, the castle sometimes appears to float above the clouds. When morning mist rises, it creates a truly fantastical scene.
The origins of the castle date back to the late Warring States period, when Endo Morikazu and his son Yoshitaka built a fortress on this site.
Later, the Inaba clan, who succeeded the Endo clan as the lords of Gujo Hachiman, carried out major renovations and transformed the fortress into a full-scale castle. However, following the Meiji Restoration, the castle was abandoned and eventually demolished, leaving only the stone walls intact.
The current main keep was reconstructed in 1933, during the Showa era. Because it was built entirely of wood, visitors can experience the atmosphere of a traditional Edo-period castle.
Inside the main keep, the castle now serves as a historical museum, displaying armor, swords, and battle maps once used by the castle lords. The top floor features an open-air design on all four sides, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the townscape of Gujo Hachiman.
Surrounded by rich natural beauty, Gujo Hachiman Castle is a popular destination throughout the year. In particular, many visitors come in November, when the autumn leaves within the castle grounds are beautifully illuminated at night.