Yamanaka Castle was built by the Daimyo, Hojo Ujiyasu, during the Japanese Warring States period. The castle was never restored after its destruction in the Edo period, but the unusual shape of the moat and earthworks of the castle are still interesting, for their resemblance to a checkerboard.

The castle grounds are very uneven in places, turning visits to the ruins into light hikes. But the view of Mt. Fuji, as you can see, is gorgeous.