Nagurumi Castle

History

Originally a fortification on this site was built by the Numata in defense of Numata Castle. The present fortifications date to Sanada Masayuki who fortified them to launch his attacks on Numata Castle. As an ally of the Takeda, Sanada Masayuki took control of the area by taking Iwabitsu Castle, Nagurumi Castle and finally Numata Castle in 1580. This area was heavily disputed between the Sanada and the Hojo until 1589 when Hideyoshi ended hostilities by giving the area, including Nagurumi Castle, to Sanada and the remainder to the Hojo. This decision did not sit well with the Hojo commander Inomata Kuninori who attacked and took Nagurumi Castle in late 1589. This was the famous spark that set off Hideyoshi's campaign to end the Hojo. Hideyoshi defetaed the Hojo the following year (1590) thus unifying all Japan. The Sanada were given Numata castle and Nagurumi was abandoned.

The structure and position of Nagurumi Castle is really interesting. It is built atop a steep mountain overlooking the Tone River. Across the river and about 5km away is Numata Castle. If you were to attack Nagurumi Castle from Numata or across the river it would be almost unassailable given the steep cliffs protecting it. However, from the opposite side, the castle is actually more like a flatland castle. If you visit the castle I recommend you pay attention to this unique aspect too. I biked from Jomokogen Station to Nagurumi Castle and then on to Numata Castle. It's also interesting that Numata Castle is built atop a mountain across the other side of the river. I can just imagine the rivals looking out over the Tone River valley at each other.

Visit Notes

You could also walk from the Jomokogen shinkansen stop. It's just a few minutes more walking but it's mostly flat and would allow you to stop by Ogawa Castle along the way. If you visit Nagurumi Castle, you should also visit Numata Castle to take in the full importance of the history in this area.

There is a small visitor center where you can get a map. There are no artificats but they have some displays related to the castle and information about local historical sites. I didn't note the open hours/days but it was open from 9am.

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Castle Profile
English Name	Nagurumi Castle
Japanese Name	名胡桃城
Founder	Numata Kagefuyu
Year Founded	around 1492-1501
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	Next 100 Castles, Prefectural Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Gokan Sta. (Joetsu Line); 40 min walk
Visitor Information	Park, open any time
Time Required	45 mins
Website	http://www.webgunma.com/278/
Location	Minakami, Gunma Prefecture
Coordinates	36° 40' 9.12" N, 138° 59' 27.06" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2013
Admin Year Visited	2013
Admin Visits	Apr 29, 2013

2.50

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FurinkazanDaimyo

10 months ago

Score 0

08/05/2023. After Numata castle, I visited this site. Since the Taiga Drama about the Sanada maru, this site benefitted from it. The baileys have been cleared and are easy to recognize due to some pavement and rails delimiting the different kuruwa. The information buiding has some nice maps and a model of the site. I took a taxi from Numata castle to this site(2850yen).

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ARTShogun

34 months ago

Score 0

Sure is different now! My commentary:

Nagurumijō is fantastic and I can't sing its praises higher. There are no structures except for a reconstructed bridge, and the castle site consists chiefly of the ruins of earthworks fortifications - with some stone walls. All trees have been cut back to show the earthworks, and the site is open and clear. Now, if only every site like this was so well maintained we would never be disappointed. At one point two sets of stairs dipped in and out of a large trench bisecting the ridgeline. What luxury! At most sites this would be a cluttered ditch choked with fallen trees that I'd risk life and limb to plunge into and crawl out of. In that case a rope would be a blessing, but a platform with stairs -- wow. Some people don't know they're born, eh! So, Nagurumijō is a masterclass in good site maintenance. That said, it is not so pruned as to be completely without its own individuated charm, as many of the baileys are full of graceful poppy flowers.

The layout of the site is made up at the core of a series of baileys arranged in "ladder formation" along a ridge. The main bailey is accessed in this way via the second bailey and the third bailey. The third bailey has a prominent barbican complex attached. Beyond the main bailey is a smaller bailey, the Sasa-kuruwa, which overlooks the plain. Many smaller baileys strut down the hillside here, but access is restricted. Adjacent to the main area of the castle across a natural creek is a very spacious bailey. This is now the site's parking area. Given the time of year I stuck to these main well kempt areas, but there are a host of outer baileys located "inland" of the plain, including a detached outer bailey. Perhaps I'll come again to this fine site and take the time to explore everything.

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