Travel in Yamagata
Kaminoyama Castle
Kaminoyama Castle · 上山城
See regional history exhibits at Kaminoyama Castle and look over the hot spring town from the observation area. The current building serves as a local history museum.
Explore the exhibits to learn about the town, then head up for views of the surroundings.
Official Kaminoyama Castle home page: Thursday and December 29–31 closure Official sources Kaminoyama Castle: individual admission, hours and Thursday closure
Visitor information
Address
〒999-3154 山形県上山市元城内3番7号
3-7 Motojonai, Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture 999-3154, Japan
Map locationAdmission
Ordinary admission is JPY 600 for adults, JPY 500 for high school and university students, and JPY 200 for elementary and junior high school students. Every Saturday, elementary, junior high and high school students living in Kaminoyama or attending a school there enter free.
Opening hours
Open 09:00–17:15, with last admission at 16:45. Closed Thursdays, or the preceding weekday when Thursday is a public holiday, and December 29–31. Seasonal exceptions may open on Thursdays; check notices for your date.
What to see at Kaminoyama Castle
Town views after local history exhibits
After local history exhibits, go up to the observation area overlooking the town. Combine indoor exhibits with views on the same visit.
Kaminoyama Castle: local history museum and observation area
How to get to Kaminoyama Castle
Take a JR Ou Main Line train from Yamagata to Kaminoyama-Onsen. Follow the facility map’s route for about seven minutes to the castle. Retrace your route afterwards and take a Yamagata-bound train. Ordinary adult paper tickets cost JPY 260 one way or JPY 520 return; limited express and Shinkansen supplements cost extra. Look up outbound and return times and fares for your actual date.
Official JR timetable: Yamagata to Kaminoyama-Onsen Official JR timetable: Kaminoyama-Onsen to Yamagata Kaminoyama Castle: about seven minutes from the station JR revised 2026 ordinary paper fare: main-line 11–15 km JPY 260, compared with direct section searches
Visiting tips
Check closures for a Thursday visit
Closed Thursdays, or the preceding weekday when Thursday is a public holiday, and December 29–31. Seasonal exceptions may open the castle on Thursdays; check notices for your date.
Kaminoyama Castle: individual admission, hours and Thursday closure Official Kaminoyama Castle home page: Thursday and December 29–31 closure
Questions about Kaminoyama Castle
What can I see inside Kaminoyama Castle?
Explore local history exhibits in the museum, then go up to the observation area for town views.
Kaminoyama Castle: local history museum and observation area
Official sources
- Official Kaminoyama Castle home page: Thursday and December 29–31 closure ·
- Official sources ·
- Kaminoyama Castle: individual admission, hours and Thursday closure ·
- Official JR timetable: Yamagata to Kaminoyama-Onsen ·
- Official JR timetable: Kaminoyama-Onsen to Yamagata ·
- Kaminoyama Castle: about seven minutes from the station ·
- JR revised 2026 ordinary paper fare: main-line 11–15 km JPY 260, compared with direct section searches ·
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