{"id":772,"date":"2026-04-30T13:18:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T13:18:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shirolog.info\/?p=772"},"modified":"2026-04-30T13:18:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T13:18:34","slug":"080-yuzukijo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shirolog.info\/en\/080-yuzukijo\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Yuzuki Castle: A Medieval “Earthwork Castle” of the Kono Clan Near Dogo Onsen | Japan’s Top 100 Castles #80"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1. Quick Facts: What to Know Before You Go<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Item<\/strong><\/td>Details<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Castle Name (No.)<\/strong><\/td>Yuzuki Castle (Japan’s Top 100 Castles #80)<\/td><\/tr>
Aliases \/ Location<\/strong><\/td>Yuzuki-jo (\u6e6f\u4ed8\u57ce \/ \u6e6f\u6708\u57ce) \/ Dogo Park, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture<\/td><\/tr>
Founder \/ Built Year<\/strong><\/td>Michimori Kono \/ Circa 1330s (Kenmu Era)<\/td><\/tr>
Main Remains<\/strong><\/td>Double moats, earthworks (Doi), reconstructed Samurai residences<\/td><\/tr>
Stamp Location<\/strong><\/td>Yuzuki Castle Museum (inside Dogo Park)<\/td><\/tr>
Parking<\/strong><\/td>Paid parking available in Dogo Park (very empty when we arrived at 8:30 AM)<\/td><\/tr>
Est. Time Required<\/strong><\/td>1 to 1.5 hours (Perfect for a joint visit with Dogo Onsen)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

2. [Field Report] Strategy Points & Dad’s Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Deep History Found in the Name “Yuzuki”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I made an interesting discovery during this mission. While it’s officially written as “\u6e6f\u7bc9\u57ce” (Yuzuki), it appears as “\u6e6f\u6708\u57ce” in records at Ozu Castle, and some documents refer to it as “\u6e6f\u4ed8\u57ce.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personally, considering it sits right next to Dogo Onsen, the kanji for “Yuzuki” (\u6e6f\u4ed8\u2014meaning a place attached to hot springs) feels the most intuitive. The variety of names is a testament to how this site has been cherished as a local symbol throughout the ages. Unlike the stone-walled castles of later periods, the depth of this “Earthwork Castle” (Tsuchi-no-Shiro) really sparked my intellectual curiosity this morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Double<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even the Guide was Shocked! Learning the “Iyo Navy” Legacy with Keigo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the information center, a volunteer guide gave us a warm welcome. That\u2019s when my son Keigo\u2019s knowledge exploded. As the guide was explaining the history, Keigo chimed in with the term “Murakami Suigun” (the famous Murakami Pirate Navy). The guide\u2019s eyes went wide\u2014”You sure know your history!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We revisited the history of the Kono clan, who led the naval forces through the rough waves of the Seto Inland Sea under the “Oshiki ni Sanmonji” family crest. Seeing that the pride of this prestigious clan\u2014who fought on the front lines during the Genpei War and the Mongol Invasions\u2014resonated with my 8-year-old son was a truly moving moment for me as a father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

3. Family & Kid-Friendly Guide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n