Harano Castle (Suwa)

History

Haranojō was constructed by Takeda Shingen, probably in the early-to-mid' 1540s, as a base for launching his invasion of Saku County. The fort had several baileys divided by karabori, and was used as a relay point for military supplies and troops headed into Shinano, first to conquer Saku, and later then onto Kawanakajima. Haranojō was paired with nearby Masugatajō, and a kilometer long trench ran between the two forts to section off the plateau, though now most of it has been filled in; most of its length protected the plain-side rear of Haranojō, and its terminus reached the opposite side of a creek from Masugatajō.

Visit Notes

Haranojō is a castle ruin in the Kitayama Township of Chino Municipality, part of what was the historical county of Suwa. It is nearby to another site, Masugatajō (枡形城), and together the two sites are sometimes referred to as Yukawajō (湯川城) after the local settlement, Yukawa functioning as the downtown of Kitayama. The site of the castle, which sits on a small cliff, is now fields today but remains include remnants of karabori (dry moats).

Also see Masugata Castle (Suwa).

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Gallery

Part of the dry moat complex

Castle Profile
English Name	Harano Castle (Suwa)
Japanese Name	原の城
Alternate Names	湯川城
Founder	Takeda Shingen
Year Founded	1540s
Castle Type	Hilltop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Artifacts	Karabori, Dorui, Kuruwa
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Exit via the Chūō-Hara PA along Route E20 if possible, or via Suwa IC or Minami-Suwa IC if driving; nearest station is Chino Station on the Chūō Main Line
Visitor Information	24/7 free; fields
Time Required	20 minutes
Location	Chino, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates	36° 2' 5.28" N, 138° 13' 22.73" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2023
Contributor	ART
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed
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