🗺️ Ishigaki-yama Ichiyajō (Ishigaki Mountain One-Night Castle)石垣山一夜城

Ishigakiyama was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the 18th year of Tenshō (1590). The name "Ichiya-jō" (One Night Castle) comes from the story of its construction. It is said that Hideyoshi built a false castle using a skeleton and white paper, and cut down the surrounding trees to make the castle visible to enemy troops. This castle, which appeared overnight, shocked the enemy forces at Odawara Castle, causing their morale to plummet. In reality, nearly 40,000 people were mobilized for the construction of the castle, which took about 80 days. It is said that Hideyoshi once gathered Yodo and Sen no Rikyū here for a tea ceremony and also hosted envoys from the Emperor. Today, the Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle, with its stone walls built from original stones, and the surrounding area have been designated as a national park and a national historic site. In 2017, it was selected as one of the "Continued 100 Famous Castles of Japan." Located at an elevation of about 262 meters, on clear days, it offers a distant view of Odawara Castle and Sagami Bay, making it a great hiking spot to enjoy both history and nature. Additionally, next to the Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle parking lot at the foot of the mountain, "Ichiya-jō Yoroizuka Farm" sells desserts and pastries made from local fruits and vegetables. The terrace seating is open for dining, so it's a nice place to take a break.

Ishigakiyama has an elevation of about 262 meters, allowing for a short hike amidst historical and natural scenery. The main highlight is the stone walls of the first fully stone castle in the Kanto region. From here, you can enjoy distant views of the Odawara Castle keep, the area around Odawara Castle, and Sagami Bay. At the foot of Ishigakiyama, you can enjoy desserts at "Yoroizuka Farm."