Gokan Castle

History

Gokan Castle was built by Yoda Tadamasa around 1441. It was the home of the Gokan for 3 generations and 90 years. After the Yoda moved to Itahana Castle, Gokan Castle was controlled by the Hojo who were fighting with the local Nitta clan. The Nitta wrestled away control of Gokan Castle in 1560 and changed their name to Gokan. The Gokan allied themselves with the Takeda and ruled over Gokan Castle until 1582. After the fall of the Takeda, the castle was attacked and taken by Oda Nobunaga's retainer Takigawa Kazumasa. At this time the Gokan were still allied with the Hojo and moved to Maebashi Castle. Takigawa left after he lost at the Battle of Kanazawa and the castle was claimed by the Gokan under the banner of the Hojo. At the Siege of Odawara the Gokan were also besieged at Odawara castle. After the fall of the Hojo, Gokan Castle was abandoned.

Visit Notes

It seems there is a bus from Annaka Station too, but Isobe is closer so I cycled from here. This is a neat little castle and well worth the time to visit if you are in the area. Nearby you'll also find Matsuida Castle and Isobe Castle which could round out a nice day of castle visits.
安中駅からのバスもあるようですが、この日は最寄りの磯部駅から自転車で行きました。後閑城も結構面白い城跡です。近くに松井田城と磯部城もありますので一日の城巡りに最適なプランでしょう。

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Gallery

View from the castle
Western terraced baileys
West Third Bailey
West Third Bailey
West Third Bailey
West First Bailey
West Second Bailey
North First Horikiri trench
Between the West Baileys and Second Trench
Looking to the North First Horikiri trench
View from just below the Honmaru
Honmaru Bailey
Honmaru Bailey
East Bailey
North First Horikiri trench
Map
Honmaru Bailey
East Bailey
East Bailey
Trail to the Ninomaru
East terraced baileys
Back of the Honmaru bailey
North Second Horikiri Trench
North Second Horikiri Trench
North First Horikiri trench
North Second Horikiri Trench
North Bailey
North First Horikiri trench
Western terraced baileys
Map
South Bailey
South Horikiri Trench
Trail to the Ninomaru

Castle Profile
English Name	Gokan Castle
Japanese Name	後閑城
Founder	Yoda Tadamasa
Year Founded	1441
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	Local Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Isobe Sta. (Shin’etsu Line), 60 mins walk
Visitor Information	park, open any time
Time Required	60 mins
Location	Annaka, Gunma Prefecture
Coordinates	36° 19' 46.56" N, 138° 50' 29.90" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2016
Admin Year Visited	2015
Admin Visits	October 18, 2015

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FurinkazanHatamoto

3 months ago

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09/05/2023. After the castle of Isobe, I returned to the station. In front of it is a taxi company. Since I wanted to win some time I asked for a taxi to Gokan castle. This site is about 5km from Isobe station. I payed 1770¥ for the ride and told the driver that I'll use another taxi to go to my next destination. He announced that at his dispatching.

Gokan castle is a vast yamashiro(mountain castle, with lots of very clear features. I spent 1h30 on the site. There were signs all around the place, which is always a nice touch.

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