Visit Oita

Hiji Castle (also known as Yokoku Castle) was built in 1602 by Kinoshita Nobutoshi, the first lord of the Hiji Domain, after receiving 30,000 koku of land in Bungo Province for his contributions in the Battle of Sekigahara.
The castle was designed by Hosokawa Tadaoki, the borther of Nobutoshi's wife Kaga, and by the husband of Hosokawa Gracia, and its stone walls were constructed using the nozura-zumi technique (stacking unprocessed stones) by Nobutoshi's retainer, Anou Riemon, renowned as a master castle builder.
In 1874, the castle structures were auctioned off and dismantled by Oita Prefecture. However, one structure, the Sumi-yagura (North-East Turret), was relocated and later restored to its original location in 2013.
Today, Hiji Castle has been repurposed as a castle park. While the castle tower, castle walls, and moat remain, the grounds are now home to Hiji Elementary School. Near the main gate, you can find statues of notable figures such as Hoashi Banri, one of the Three Wise Men of Bungo, and Taki Rentaro, a member of the Taki family who served in prominent positions for the Hiji domain and who is renowed as a composer famous for works like Kojo no Tsuki, both of whom are tied to the castle's legacy.
From the park, the view of Takasakiyama is truly breathtaking and has been recognized as one of Oita's 100 Scenic Views.
In spring, around 100 cherry trees bloom, framing the castle ruins with stunning blossoms. The sight of Beppu Bay through the cherry blossoms is a must-see!