If you like to enjoy outdoor activities, hiking in western Tokyo is a great idea. Most people don't know that Tokyo has its share of rich greenery and mountains. Mount Takao is also a popular destination. But with the summer heat, you may want to plan that trip after it cools down a bit. For history buffs, we recommend taking a hike to Hachioji Castle ruins, which about an hour train ride from central Tokyo.
And as the name suggests, that is where a castle once stood back in 1590. Hachioji Castle was owned by Hojo Ujiteru, a samurai who was at war with Toyotomi Hideyoshi's forces. The castle keep was located atop a mountain, a great vantage point for watching any enemy movements.
Unfortunately, Toyotomi's forces decided to attack the castle when Hojo Ujiteru and most of his forces were away in Odawara, leaving the castle poorly defended, despite the terrain protecting it. Eventually, Toyotomi managed to siege the castle and slaughter its residents. The women and kids refused to be captured alive and committed suicide by jumping into a river nearby. Legend has it the river was crimson red for three nights since the day the castle was sieged. The castle was eventually burned to the ground. Hojo Ujiteru would learn about the terrible incident and commit seppuku. Okay, enough with the history.
Unfortunately, Toyotomi's forces decided to attack the castle when Hojo Ujiteru and most of his forces were away in Odawara, leaving the castle poorly defended, despite the terrain protecting it. Eventually, Toyotomi managed to siege the castle and slaughter its residents. The women and kids refused to be captured alive and committed suicide by jumping into a river nearby. Legend has it the river was crimson red for three nights since the day the castle was sieged. The castle was eventually burned to the ground. Hojo Ujiteru would learn about the terrible incident and commit seppuku. Okay, enough with the history.
The link below provides in-depth details on how to get to Hachioji Castle. But beware! After sunset, the surrounding area is rumoured to be haunted by the spirits of the fallen residents. Whether you believe in ghosts or not is up to you. If you want to venture out at night for the sake of the thrill, do it at your own risk.
EXPERIENCE: 4/5
CULTURE: 5/5
LOCATION: 3/5
CULTURE: 5/5
LOCATION: 3/5
No comments:
Post a Comment