Torikoya Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
History
For more information see my profile on Murakami Kokuzousan Castle.
Visit Notes
Torikoyajō is twinned with Murakami Takatsuya Castle, and is also known as Takatsuyajō Site B. It is separated from Takatsuyajō by some distance and intervening elevation. I came here as part of my tour of Murakami castle sites on Mount Kokuzō. Most of the forts follow the ridge in a straight configuration, but here there is a little development of a ridge which forks off, as it has been terraced, but most of the ruins are found along a single path which follows the ridge on its way to Kokuzōsanjō. Please see the map to understand the layout of the castle. Features include earthworks like dorui (earthen ramparts), horikiri (trenches), kuruwa (baileys) and terraced sub-baileys, such as koshiguruwa (hip baileys). The largest bailey is located at the fore, and the main bailey, which is narrower, is located aft, facing higher elevation beyond a natural depression. To begin the arduous climb to Kokuzōsanjō, one must first descend down the rear of Torikoyajō.
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Torikoya Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network) |
| Japanese Name | 村上鳥小屋城 |
| Alternate Names | Takatsuyajō |
| Founder | Murakami Yoshikiyo |
| Year Founded | Sengoku Period |
| Castle Type | Mountaintop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Artifacts | Horikiri, Koshikuruwa, Kuruwa, Dorui |
| Features | trenches |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Nishi-Ueda Station on the Shinano Railway; hiking course |
| Visitor Information | Free; 24/7; Mountain |
| Time Required | 30 minutes |
| Location | Ueda, Nagano Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 36° 25' 45.62" N, 138° 12' 57.96" E |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2020 |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
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