Kinojo Castle Ruins
鬼ノ城
Ruins of a seventh-century mountain fortress built in the ancient Korean style. It is the setting of the legend of Ura, the oni defeated by Momotarō, and its reconstructed West Gate is impressive.
Kinojo sits on the summit of Mount Kijo, at about 400 metres, in Sōja City. Earthen ramparts and stone walls about 2.8 km long enclose the summit, and the reconstructed West Gate and corner towers look out over the Kibi Plain. Legend says this was the home of Ura, and locals regard it as the origin of the story of Momotarō defeating the oni. The visitor centre halfway up has a car park and exhibits. Walking the trail around the fortress takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Public transport is limited, so take a taxi from Sōja Station or drive for about 25 minutes. In winter the visitor centre is closed on Mondays.
Opening hours
All day (visitor center about 09:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Bitchu Kokubunji & Kibiji Cycling Road
- Saijo Inari
- Kibitsu Shrine
- Kibitsuhiko Shrine
- Achi Shrine
- Ohashi House
- Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
- Ohara Museum of Art