Hakoyama Castle (Takai)
History
Hakoyamajō is thought to have been built as a branch castle of Kamogatakejō by the Takanashi Clan to guard the Hakoyama Pass, an important route.
For more information see my profiles / posts on Takanashi Yakata and Kamogatake Castle.
Visit Notes
I went to Hakoyamajō after Kamogatakejō and Kamagatakejō. I didn't want to leave it out, though it is not as interesting as those twin sites. It is on a peak to the north of them. One finds the trail by going through the Hakoyama Pass. However, I continued down to Hakoyama Tunnel first, where there is no trail. I made things very hard for myself by climbing back up to the ridge here, crawling on all fours like a stupid bear. It would've been ten times easier if I had found the trail on the otherside of the pass. Anyway, I was quite tired but I strove on, climbing the steep, intimidating Hakoyama. The fortifications here were minimal, but the natural terrain meant that they probably didn't need to invest much to make it a tough nut to crack. Nevertheless I identified baileys, terraced sub-baileys, trenches, and possibly some remnant masonry. At the foot of the castle mount was what looked to be a recycling facility designed in the vague shape of a castle tower.
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Hakoyama Castle (Takai) |
| Japanese Name | 高井箱山城 |
| Founder | Takanashi Clan |
| Year Founded | Sengoku Period |
| Castle Type | Mountaintop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Artifacts | Kuruwa, Ishigaki, Horikiri, Dorui |
| Features | trenches |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Shinshuu-Nakano Station on the Shinano Line; 20 minute walk to trail head |
| Visitor Information | Free; 24/7; Mountain |
| Time Required | 50 minutes |
| Location | Nakano, Nagano Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 36° 45' 2.16" N, 138° 23' 26.23" E |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2020 |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
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