🗺️ Nobeoka Castle Ruins (Jōyama Park)延岡城跡・城山公園

The park built on the site of the old Nobeoka Castle was constructed in the 8th year of the Keichō era (1603) by the first lord of the Nobeoka domain, Takahashi Mototane. The remains include the Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru, making it one of the most representative modern castles in Miyazaki Prefecture. The most notable feature is the towering stone wall of the Ninomaru. This stone wall, built to prevent enemy invasion of the Honmaru, reaches a height of 19 meters and is quite imposing. It is said that removing the foundation stones could cause the wall to collapse, defeating numerous enemies, which is why it is nicknamed "Sen'nin Satsu Ishigaki" (千人殺石垣). The area is one of Japan's three major groups of Camellia sasanqua, with 108 varieties and over 3,300 wild Camellia sasanqua plants in the park. From late October to late April, the park blooms with delicate flowers in red, white, and pink. In spring, 300 cherry blossom trees bloom, adding a soft spring color to the castle ruins. During the flowering season, there are nighttime illuminations, allowing visitors to see the cherry blossoms intertwined with the historically rich architecture in a dreamlike scene under the lights.

The ruins of the castle built by the first lord of the 延岡藩 (Nobeoka Domain), 高橋元種 (Takahashi Mototane), in the 8th year of the Keichō era (1603). The "千人殺石垣" (Thousand People Killing Stone Wall), standing at 19 meters high, is a must-see. It is a famous spot for viewing the 櫻花 (cherry blossoms) and the 鳳凰山茶花 (Phoenix Mountain camellias).