Shimosaka Yakata
History
The Shimosaka-yakata was built in the Muromachi Period as the fortified manor house of the Shimosaka Clan who were the head clan governing Shimosaka Village in Sakata District. The Shimosaka Clan were militarily active throughout northern Ōmi Province throughout the Nanbokuchō and Sengoku Periods, serving both the Kyōgoku and Asai Clans (though presumably a different times).
The main building (Omoya) which stands today dates to the late 18th century, but it is considered to be a faithful reconstruction of the original lord's hall from the Sengoku Period. This is so also for the Omotemon (front gate). This has led to the site being hailed as the only kyokan site with its architecture retained from the Sengoku Period.
Visit Notes
The Shimosaka-yakata was the fortified manor house of the Shimosaka Clan. An Edo Period dwelling now stands upon the site of the main enclosure, though it apparently incorporates architectural features from the Sengoku Period, centering around the Omoya (主屋), "Lord's Hall". It is open to the public. Even though the times I saw indicated it should be open, for some reason it wasn't when I went. I called town hall and they told me it was open from the 8th of August, so I was a week too early. The yashiki looks really interesting so I might have to go back mostly for that. Features of the yakata ruin include earthworks such as karabori (dry moats) and dorui (earthen embankments), which run about 90m each side in a square layout. Shimosaka-yakata is a nationally designated historic site.
Castle Profile | |
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English Name | Shimosaka Yakata |
Japanese Name | 下坂館 |
Founder | Shimosaka Clan |
Year Founded | Muromachi Period |
Castle Type | Fortified Manor |
Castle Condition | No main keep but other buildings |
Designations | National Historic Site |
Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
Artifacts | Omotemon, Karabori, Dorui, Omoya |
Features | gates, palace, trenches |
Visitor Information | |
Access | Tamura Station on the Hokuriku Line; 20 minute walk |
Visitor Information | 9:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30); 300yen. Open only on SATURDAY and SUNDAY. CLOSED IN WINTER. |
Time Required | 60 minutes |
Location | Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture |
Coordinates | 35° 21' 57.78" N, 136° 17' 4.45" E |
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Admin | |
Added to Jcastle | 2020 |
Contributor | ART |
Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
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