Suzuo Castle Ruins Fukuhara Castle Ruins

Suzuo Castle is a mountain castle that became the residence of the Fukuhara clan after Hiroyo, the fifth son of Motoharu Mori, the sixth generation before Motonari Mori, moved to Fukuhara in 1381 and changed his surname to Fukuhara. It was built on a hill facing the Enokawa River, and is fortified by steep cliffs on three sides and a moat behind it. It is made up of about 20 enclosures around the main enclosure at the top of the mountain. There are large flat areas on the north and east sides, and the east side is called the castle ruins. In addition, ceramic fragments found near the top of the mountain suggest that they lived on the mountain. It is said that the daughter of the eighth generation, Fukuhara Hirotoshi, married Motori Hiromoto and gave birth to Motonari here, her family home, on March 14, 1497, but it is unclear whether she actually gave birth at this castle. The mountain trails are well maintained and are perfect for light hiking. About 300 meters east of the castle ruins, at the foot of the mountain, is the remains of Ryogon-ji temple, where the Fukuhara clan graves are located (a city historic site).