Fushimi-Momoyama-jō Castle — Attraction in Kyoto

The History of Fushimi Castle Fushimi Castle was constructed three times throughout its history.

Shigetsu Fushimi Castle (指月伏見城): The first version of Fushimi Castle was initiated in August 1592 (Bunroku 1) by Toyotomi Hideyoshi as his retirement residence. It was built in the Shigetsu area (near present-day Momoyama-cho Taicho-ro, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto). Hideyoshi moved into this castle in 1594 (Bunroku 3), and it was completed two years later in 1596 (Bunroku 5). Unfortunately, soon after its completion, the castle was destroyed by the Keicho Fushimi Earthquake.

Kohatayama Fushimi Castle (木幡山伏見城): Due to the collapse of the first castle, a new one was built about 1 km northeast of Shigetsu on Mount Kohata. This second castle, known as Kohatayama Fushimi Castle, was completed in 1597 (Keicho 2).

The Reconstructed Fushimi Castle: The castle that burned down was rebuilt around 1602 (Keicho 7) by Tokugawa Ieyasu. However, it was decommissioned in 1619 (Genna 5). The buildings and materials from this reconstruction were relocated to other castles such as Nijo Castle, Yodo Castle, and Fukuyama Castle, some of which still exist today.

After the castle's demolition, peach trees were planted on the site around the Genroku period, giving rise to the name Momoyama (Peach Mountain). In modern times, the castle has come to be known as Momoyama Castle or Fushimi...

An unusual abandoned castle-like structure in the middle of a quiet park that is perfect for cherry blossom and autumn color viewings. Fushimi Momoyama castle was erected for an amusement park named castle land in the 1960s, not too far from the site of the actual castle of the same name to which it bears little resemblance. After the park closed down the area was turned into a public park by the city and the castle itself remains closed to this day due to concerns over earthquake safety. It is a rare sight indeed and a fascinating artifact but in recent years the buildings have started to deteriorate quite a bit leading to most of the area surrounding them being off-limits to the public by now.

When I came here for the first time in 2017 everything but the interiors was still accessible. So if you expect to get a closer look you might get disappointed. I’d still count it as one of Kyoto‘s most underrated attractions though. The atmosphere here is something else, bordering on quietly post-apocalyptic. When you’re entirely on your own it feels more like urbexing than sightseeing. See it while you can though. I don’t mean to be a downer but judging by its current state I’m not sure how much longer...

It's a bit of a journey to the castle from the nearest metro, with much of it being uphill and particularly hot weather during my visit. However, the castle itself was magnificent. Being a replica and a little off the beaten trail the grounds were almost empty, allowing for easy viewing and photography - a welcome change compared to the likes of Osaka Castle which becomes agonisingly crowded. You aren't able to go inside the structures and they are visibly past their prime, yet personally I found the abandoned aesthetic somewhat alluring and a more memorable aspect of my trip to Kyoto. If your priority is entering and exploring the castle itself steer well clear, but if you want a quiet walk with a rewarding view towards the end this is...