Discover the Secrets of Karasawayama Shrine and Castle Remains

Quiz Time! 

Do you know which Japanese family name is the most common? Honda, Suzuki, or Sato?
The answer is hidden in history, going back over a thousand years to the powerful Fujiwara clan. Curious? Read on to learn the story and discover a special site in Tochigi Prefecture for your next trip.

A Must-See: Karasawayama Shrine 

Are you visiting Nikko? Add a cultural treasure to your trip! Karasawayama Shrine in Sano City, Tochigi Prefecture, and the remains of its historic mountain castle offer breathtaking views and a glimpse into Japan's rich history.
From the observatory deck, enjoy stunning views of the Kanto Plain and famous peaks like Mt. Fuji, Mt. Asama, Mt. Nantai, and Mt. Tsukuba. This site was once a vital lookout and defensive stronghold for samurai.

Step Into the Past 

At the top of a 242-meter mountain lies Karasawayama, once the castle of the Sano family. The Sano were descendants of Fujiwara no Hidesato, a famous military leader from the 10th century. His life is closely linked to Taira no Masakado, another historic figure whose dramatic rise and fall shaped Japanese history.
 

Hidesato was part of the Fujiwara clan, the most influential aristocratic family of the time. The Fujiwara controlled court politics and advised emperors. Hidesato is remembered for his loyalty to the imperial court and his exceptional military skills.
 

Masakado, a descendant of Emperor Kanmu and a bushi (samurai), aimed to create an independent state in the Kanto region. However, his rebellion ended quickly. A combined force, led by Fujiwara no Hidesato and Taira no Sadamori, defeated him.
 

Although his dream failed, Masakado gained respect and admiration after his death. Today, he is honored as a revered figure at Kanda Myoujin in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Hidesato’s success further raised his status, and his descendants founded many notable samurai families across Japan.

Cats, Nature, and More 

Start your visit at the mid-mountain parking lot, where friendly cats will welcome you! This area is known as a shelter for stray cats, but most are very sociable. Visitors can buy cat food at the rest house to feed them.
As you walk up to the shrine, the changing seasons surround you. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in summer, and autumn leaves in fall—a natural wonder in every season.

How to Get There

• By Train: Take the JR Ryomo Line from Oyama Station to Sano Station (26 minutes). 
  Keep in mind, trains run only once per hour.
• From Sano Station: A taxi from the south exit takes about 20 minutes.
• Alternative: Direct taxis from Oyama Station are more convenient but pricier.

Quiz Answer 

The most common Japanese family name today is Sato, with almost 2 million people. The name comes from Fujiwara no Hidesato—“Sa” from Sano City and “To” from Fujiwara. Interestingly, the kanji for “Fuji” can also be read as “To.”
Visit Karasawayama Shrine and step into a story from over a thousand years ago. This trip offers more than history—it’s a journey through time.