Observation Spot "Hizen Inuyama Castle"

From the summit of Mount Kishima, Inuyamadake, which is 342 meters above sea level, it is possible to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Saga plains and Ariake Sea directly below, as well as Fukuoka and Kumamoto prefectures in the distance. By climbing up to the lookout, Hizen Inuyama Castle, you will see three slightly high hills and the one in the middle is the Ruins of Sukoko Castle. During Japan's feudal era, this castle was the home of Tsuneharu Hirai, and it was said to be impenetrable. Hirai fought with Takanobu Ryuzoji four times and was defeated. The victorious Takenobu was defeated by Arima and Shimatsu's combined forces in Shimabara and met with a rather inglorious demise. It is said that the unlived in Sukoko Castle was owned by the generations of Suko domain Nabeshima family members and it was donated to the citizens of the territory as an act of good government. The people of Shiraishi town have shaped the lookout like the castle which stood in this scenic location, and called it Hizen Inuyama Castle in light of the history of their ancestors and name of the mountain. Out of respect for the virtuous leaders of the Nabeshima family, the roof of the lookout features a crest with the ginkgo tree leaf. The 781 steps leading to the lookout from Utagaki Park are called "Health Hill", and there are rest spots on the way called "Ikkyuan" and "Icchaan".



● Access:
　From train station: 10-minute taxi ride from Hizen-Shiroishi Station on the JR Nagasaki Main Line
　Car: 20-minute drive from Nagasaki Expressway Takeo-Kitagata IC　　
● Parking Lot: Accommodates 50 cars (free of charge)
● Contact: Division of Industry, Shiroishi Town Office
　Tel: +81-952-84-2111

Map