Shioji Forest Road, Iwaya Castle Ruins

Shioji Forest Road runs north to south across Mt. Shioji, linking the approach area of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine with Umi Town. As part of the Kyushu Nature Trail, it offers a walk full of natural and historical appeal, with many cultural properties and heritage sites along the road, including the Onojo Ruins, designated a National Special Historic Site, and the Sanjusan Sekibutsu stone Buddhas built in the Edo period.

The forest road is a narrow roadway that large vehicles such as buses cannot pass through. There is also no sidewalk, so visitors should take care when walking here.

Built on the slope of Mt. Shioji, the Iwaya Castle Ruins were the site of fierce battles between the Shimazu and Otomo clans during the Warring States period, and offer an excellent viewpoint overlooking the city of Dazaifu. There is no parking lot or parking space around the ruins, so access is essentially on foot only.