Ghost of Tsushima Real Life Locations: A Private Tour Report
Step into the history that inspired the legend.
Recently, I had the pleasure of guiding a wonderful guest from China. We spent an incredible day exploring the historical roots that inspired the world of “Ghost of Tsushima.”
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude for the thoughtful souvenirs he brought—it was a heartwarming gesture that made the day even more special! Thank you so much!
1. Kaneda Castle (Mt. Jōyama)
Built in 667 AD, Kaneda Castle is an ancient mountaintop fortress. On the day of our tour, we were the very first visitors to arrive! The road leading up was covered in fallen branches from the previous night, so we had to stop the car several times to clear the path. It felt like a true samurai expedition even before we started hiking.
Trekking & Gameplay: The trek is relatively moderate, taking about 3 hours in total. While the game depicts Kaneda Castle as a major stronghold with towering wooden pagodas (yagura), the actual ruins consist of impressive stone ramparts (sekirui) stretching approximately 2.8 kilometers. Although the buildings are gone, the spirit of the 7th-century defense still lingers.
To make the experience even more immersive, I provide sword props for photos. My guest and I took some epic shots at the summit, channeling their inner Jin Sakai with the breathtaking view of Aso Bay in the background.
2. Komoda Beach
Next, we visited the site of the 1274 Mongol Invasion. This is where 30,000 Yuan and Goryeo allied forces landed on Tsushima. The local defense, led by So Sukekuni and only 80 mounted samurai, fought valiantly but were ultimately outnumbered.
My guest was very enthusiastic and took many photos here, practicing sword swings (suburi) on the very sand where this historic battle took place.
Traveler’s Tip: Every year on the second Sunday of November, the “Musha Gyoretsu” (Samurai Procession) takes place here. Seeing armored warriors march toward the sea is a must-see for any history buff!
Why Choose a Private Tour?
Both Kaneda Castle and Komoda Beach are located off the main tourist routes and are difficult to access via public transport. With a private guide, you don’t have to worry about narrow roads or navigation—you can simply focus on the stories and the scenery.
