History
It is said that Suwa-Osaka Castle was first built in 1154 by Minamoto Nobuyoshi of the Kai-Genji. It was controlled by the Osaka Clan who were followers of the Suwa Clan. It appears from what remains that Osakajō was a simple fort primarily used as a base for a signal tower. In 1542 Osakajō was captured by the Takeda Clan and in 1582 it was abandoned following their destruction.
Visit Notes
There's not much to see at the site of Osaka Castle but I stopped by on one of my "castle walks" en route to Aruga Castle. Osakajō's most obvious ruin is a trench at the foot of the castle mount. It was the first site of the day for me and so, having plenty of energy yet, I persevered, searching further up the mountain than was necessary. I thought I identified some terracing and sub-baileys in parts but it seems like much of the ruin has been demolished in the construction of a motorway which passes below.
Castle Profile | |
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English Name | Suwa Osaka Castle |
Japanese Name | 諏訪小坂城 |
Founder | Minamoto Nobuyoshi (legendary) or Osaka Clan |
Year Founded | 1154 (legendary) or Sengoku Period |
Castle Type | Mountaintop |
Castle Condition | Ruins only |
Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
Artifacts | Hori |
Features | trenches |
Visitor Information | |
Access | Okaya Station on the Chuo Main Line; 45 minute walk |
Visitor Information | 24/7 free; mountain |
Time Required | 30 minutes |
Location | Okaya, Nagano Prefecture |
Coordinates | 36° 2' 1.57" N, 138° 3' 53.89" E |
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Admin | |
Added to Jcastle | 2020 |
Contributor | ART |
Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
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