Sumoto Castle 洲本城

Sumoto City, located on the east coast of Awaji Island , is its largest city. It has a long history, and the city is home to a number of historic sites that predate modern Japan. One of those is Sumoto Castle.

Sumoto Castle is best accessed by car, although a bus service runs from Kobe City on mainland Honshu to Sumoto City. Sumoto City operates an electric bicycle rental scheme to allow visitors to explore the island more thoroughly.

Across Awaji Island , historic ruins dating back several millennia have been found, suggesting the island has always played a vital role in connecting mainland Honshu with Shikoku. Many of these historic sites are concentrated in Sumoto City.

In 1526, the head of the Kumano Suigun marine troops constructed Sumoto Castle on Mt. Mikuma. Through several regime changes, the castle maintained its strategic importance. It was abandoned in 1642, but the castle town still prospered.

Stone walls and other relics from the castle period can still be found on Mt. Mikuma. A mock keep was built in 1928, and visitors here can enjoy panoramic views of Sumoto City, Awaji Island , and the Seto Inland Sea.

At the foot of the castle lie the remains of the Inada family residence. The Inada family once governed the area, and nearby are a number of merchant houses dating to the Edo period (1603-1867) and Sumoto Hachiman Shrine, which is said to have been founded more than 1,000 years ago. The castle town atmosphere remains well preserved.