Founded in 1601, Obama Castle was built by Kyōgoku Takatsugu after he was rewarded with Wakasa Domain for his service in the Battle of Sekigahara. The castle came under the rule of Sakai Tadakatsu in 1634 following the Kyōgoku family's transfer to Izumo Province; a central donjon was constructed shortly afterwards in 1636. Unlike many castles that were torn down after the Meiji Restoration, Obama-jō burned down in a fire in 1871, leaving only ruins today. The site is hemmed in tightly by neighboring houses, with a shrine now occupying half of the remaining castle grounds.