Reading time: about 5 minutes
Who this is for
- People feeling stuck between work, roles, and expectations
- Those looking for a quiet, dog-friendly place with some depth
- History lovers who prefer stories over heavy explanations
- Anyone who wants practical tips about cold weather, toilets, and seasonal risks before going
Conclusion
Walking through a historical place helped me quietly整理 my own position in life.
Why I decided to visit Ichiyajo
Lately, I’ve been watching Sanada Maru at night, beer in hand.
Seeing the Sanada clan squeezed between powerful forces, unable to move freely, I thought:
“Wait… isn’t this kind of me right now?”
At work too—up and down, left and right.
No matter where you look, there’s no clear right answer.
It’s not the Sengoku period, but honestly, it feels like one sometimes (laughs).
So I thought,
“Let’s go breathe some Sengoku air for a bit.”
(With that old “Ah, Kyoto” commercial playing in my head.)
That’s how I ended up at Ichiyajo—
with my dog, just to clear my head.
Was Ichiyajo really built in one night?
I visited Ishigakiyama Ichiyajo Historic Park.
The name makes you think:
“A castle in one night? That’s impossible.”
In reality, it took about 80 days to build.
The trees were left standing to hide the construction,
then cut down all at once after completion.
From the Hojo side, it must have looked like:
“Wait… there was nothing yesterday, and now there’s a castle?!”
A classic Hideyoshi move.
Not brute force, but psychological impact.
Honestly, it reminded me of modern work.
Sometimes, it’s not logic—but presentation—that moves things forward.
As a middle-aged manager, that realization comes with a bitter smile.
What I felt looking at the stone walls
The stone walls here use Nozura-zumi—
natural stones stacked almost as-is.
They’re rough, uneven, full of gaps.
And yet…
They’ve stood firm for over 400 years.
That hit me hard.
“Clumsy, imperfect… but still standing.”
That’s basically life in your 50s, isn’t it?
Not flashy.
Not efficient.
A bit muddy, honestly.
But still holding everything up.
Never thought I’d relate to a stone wall (laughs).
Walking with a dog: honest impressions
Dogs are allowed, but this isn’t a casual stroll—
it’s more like a small adventure.
There are lots of stone steps and uneven paths.
Around the stone walls especially, watch your footing.
Important notes for dog owners
- Keep the leash short
- Carts are basically impossible
- Don’t let dogs climb stone walls
- Stop and wait in narrow spots
- Always pick up after your dog
Medium-sized dogs like Shiba Inus will enjoy it.
For senior dogs or those with joint issues,
staying near flatter areas is safer.
The view that made everything connect
From the observation deck, the view of Sagami Bay opens wide.
On a clear day, you can even spot Odawara Castle below.
“So this is where Hideyoshi looked down from…”
Suddenly, history became three-dimensional.
The earlier story clicked into place.
Reality check: it was freezing (felt like 0°C)
This needs emphasis.
Mountain top + sea wind = brutal cold.
Winter tips
- Windproof outerwear is essential
- Gloves help (especially for handling the leash)
- Short-haired dogs may need clothes
- A hot drink is a lifesaver
If it’s this cold in winter,
summer will likely be hot, humid, and buggy—especially ticks.
Spring or autumn is probably the best season.
Summer warnings: pit vipers and ticks
There are actual “Mamushi (pit viper) caution” signs in the park.
Tall grass, humidity, and shade—
it feels like the kind of place snakes could appear.
And for dog owners, ticks are a serious concern.
- Keep dogs out of tall grass
- Avoid paths with poor visibility
- Do a full tick check after walking
The scenery is beautiful, but your feet need to stay realistic.
Driving access: fine for me, but…
I expected narrow roads, and while I was fine,
there are tight sections through mandarin orange fields.
If you drive:
- A large vehicle
- Or you’re not confident behind the wheel
…it might feel stressful. Just something to keep in mind.
Parking and toilets (very important)
Parking is free.
But weekends get crowded, especially with Yoroizuka Farm visitors.
Arriving before 10 a.m. is safest.
And this is crucial, especially for people in their 50s:
Toilets are only near the parking lot or Ninomaru.
Once you start walking, there are none.
Go first. Seriously.
Yoroizuka Farm: planning matters with a dog
Dogs are allowed only on the terrace.
It’s self-service, and leash hooks are limited and hard to find.
So honestly—
Solo dog visits can be tricky (laughs).
Best options:
- Go with someone
- Visit during quiet hours
- Bring a sling or carrier
The roll cake is served on a wooden board, kamaboko-style—
very Odawara.
Local citrus flavors answer the question:
“Why sweets in Odawara?”
(Often closed on Tuesdays—check the official site before going.)
Final thoughts
Stone walls.
Walking with my dog.
Heavy breathing.
Ending with something sweet.
That’s all it was—
and yet, my mind felt a little more balanced.
Historic places have always watched people struggle with:
“How to endure when there’s no right answer.”
We’re the same.
Even when answers don’t come,
even when we’re pulled in every direction—
If we don’t collapse, that’s already enough.
Cold weather, uneven paths, snake warnings and all—
it was a day worth taking.
Basic info
📍 石垣山一夜城歴史公園（Ishigakiyama Ichiyajo Historic Park）
Historic park built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, overlooking Odawara Castle.
📍 一夜城 Yoroizuka Farm（Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm）
A popular patisserie and cafe near Ishigakiyama Castle ruins.
For navigation, “Ichiyajo Yoroizuka Farm” works best.
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