Nishijou Castle

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Nishijoujou (11).JPG

History

According to the Records of Shiojiri Town, Nishijōjō was built by the Ogasawara, nominal rulers of Shinano Province, following the intra-clan conflict of the Suwa in 1449. The Ogasawara had supported the defeated side in that civil war and struggled to reinforce them, although the enemy had likewise struggled to push its advantage. The Ogasawara's main base at that time was Igawajō, and they were concerned about an invasion from Suwa, so Nishijōjō was built at a strategic midway point between Lake Suwa and Igawajō.

Nishijōjō's first commander was Ogasawara Masanori. Later the castle came to be occupied by Ogasawara Clan relatives and vassals, the Nishijō Clan, begetting its name, under the lords Nishijō Mitsumasa, Nishijō Mitsuyasu, Nishijō Sadayasu, and Nishijō Yorisada.


Visit Notes

Nishijōjō is located at the top of a mountain, part of a network of fortifications consisting also of Arashijō and Iinawajō below it in that order. The ruins of Nishijōjō consist of horikiri (trenches), dorui (earthen ramparts) and the main bailey. To the rear of the main bailey is a large trench, about as tall and as wide (at the top) as a house. The views from up here are impressive.




Gallery


Castle Profile
English Name Nishijo Castle
Japanese Name 西條城
Founder Ogasawara Clan
Year Founded 1449
Castle Type Mountaintop
Castle Condition Ruins only
Historical Period Pre Edo Period
Artifacts Dorui, Hori, Kuruwa
Features trenches
Visitor Information
Access Midoriko Station on the Chuo Line; 10 minute walk to trail head
Visitor Information 24/7 free; mountain
Time Required 30 minutes
Location Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates 36° 4' 51.85" N, 137° 57' 56.81" E
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Contributor ART
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