About Gassan-Toda Castle
Gassan-Toda castle belonged to the Amago clan, the military commanders and rulers of 11 states during the Warring States period (1467–1590). By utilizing the natural terrain of the 184m high Mt. Gassan, it was renowned as an impregnable fortress surrounded by cliffs. The Amago family who had long enjoyed their glory were resisting a siege by Mori Motonari from the Aki clan at one point, but Amago Yoshihisa (the present lord at that time) finally surrendered in 1566 and Toda Castle was captured. However, the castle itself never budged even once under Mori’s attack, and thus Toda Castle became famous throughout the nation.
Today the castle is unfortunately nothing but ruins but you can still see the white stone walls and cobbled old roads that stood as the foundation of the castle. In 1934 it was designated as a historical landmark and in 2006 it was selected as one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan.
There is also a drum platform here where a large drum was used to give notices during peace time and call soldiers during war time, and during the springtime many visitors come to see the cherry blossoms.
Access
From JR Yasugi Station (安来駅) take the Yellow Bus and get off at the Gassan Entrance bus stop.