Ibuka Castle

History

Orignally built by the Ibuka Clan, Ibukajō was established as a branch castle of Hayashiôjō. It was controlled by the Gochō Clan, vassals of the Ogasawara Clan. The Gochō were destroyed by the Akazawa Clan who then took control of Ibukajō. In 1550 Takeda Shingen's men took over the castle. Takeda Shingen appointed the Komiyama Clan as castellans. Ibukajō was abandoned in 1583.

Visit Notes

Ibukajō ruins consist of kuruwa (baileys), horikiri (trenches), dorui (earthen ramparts) and the remnants of stone-piled ramparts: I found three segments of ishigaki, and stone blocks scattered all over. The basic layout of the integral baileys are as follows: the shukuruwa (main bailey) is situated furthest up the mountain with a large dorui at the back, similar to other sites in the area. The main bailey is terraced, with a smaller bailey below. Two koshikuruwa (hip baileys) are to be found below here, and there is another koshikuruwa to the west of the shukuruwa.

Beyond the shukuruwa is a series of trenches. The trench system visible from behind the shukuruwa is a double horikiri with a small embankment between the two trenches, roughly in the shape of a narrow eye. This trench must've been quite massive when first dug. Tatebori (climbing moats) climb the mountain and protect the approach from below. The trail up the mountain passes by some terraced areas. At the foot of the mountain is a shrine, used to venerate the ancestors of the castle lords during the time of Ibukajō. On the way up there is a smaller shrine to the fox-loving god Inari where I actually saw a fox!

Gallery

Castle Profile
English Name	Ibuka Castle
Japanese Name	伊深城
Founder	Ibuka Clan
Year Founded	Sengoku Period
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	Local Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches, stone walls
Visitor Information
Access	Matsumoto Station; 100 minute walk
Visitor Information	24/7 free
Time Required	60 mins
Location	Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates	36° 17' 14.14" N, 137° 58' 38.71" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2020
Contributor	ART
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed

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