Yamabukioh Castle

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山吹大城01ShukuruwaRamparts.JPG

History

Yamabuki Castle was constructed by the Kanasashi Clan as part of their network of fortifications in the area - which included Sakura Castle. The history of this clan and their battles is wrapped up in that of the Suwa Shrine Complex. To gain more than a superficial understanding one must disregard the modern history of "Suwa-taisha" and plunge into the complicated, extensive history which starts with the rites and customs peculiar to the district, going back to a time when gods literally walked on earth. With the rise of feudalism the Suwa shrines came to be land holders with their own armies and these castles were essential in controlling the territory, as well as in allowing the feuding branches of the Suwa Clan to gain ascendancy over the others.


Visit Notes

Yamabukiôjō, "Big Yamabuki Castle", is paired with Yamabukikojō, "Little Yamabuki Castle". It is, of course, the larger of the two and located further up the mountain. The trail which leads to both castles begins from a mountain road and then forks off left and right. Yamabukiôjō is further away to the right. The ruins consist of dorui (earth-piled ramparts), karabori (dry moats) and horikiri (trenches), as well as several integral baileys. Yamabukiôjō's baileys are as follows: shukuruwa (main bailey), ninokuruwa (second bailey), higashi-kuruwa (east bailey), nishi-kuruwa (west bailey), kita-kuruwa (north bailey), and the deguruwa (projecting bailey), the latter two curving away to the west in the northern area of the castle. In addition there are many koshikuruwa (sub-baileys) which terrace the mountain slopes surrounding the castle, creating long, narrow enclosures beneath the integral baileys. Trace amounts of ishigaki (stone-piled ramparts) can be seen around the shukuruwa.




Gallery


Castle Profile
English Name Yamabukioh Castle
Japanese Name 山吹大城
Founder Kanasashi Clan
Year Founded
Castle Type Mountaintop
Castle Condition Ruins only
Historical Period Pre Edo Period
Features trenches, stone walls
Visitor Information
Access Shimo-Suwa Station on the Chuo Line; 55 minute walk
Visitor Information 24/7 free
Time Required 60 mins
Location Shimo-Suwa, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates 36° 5' 28.54" N, 138° 5' 25.40" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle 2020
Contributor ART
Admin Year Visited Viewer Contributed


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