Nakayama Castle (Suwa)

History

Suwa-Nakayamajō was built by the Suwa Clan in their opposition to the Takeda Clan who invaded Shinano Province from their base in Kai Province. In 1528 Takeda Nobutora invaded Suwa and established Sendatsujō, and Nakayamajō may have been built in response to or preparation for this. It may have also been used as a residence by the Suwa. It is believed that the fort saw a battle between the forces of the Suwa and Takeda. The Takeda Clan would eventually conquer all of Suwa.

Visit Notes

It’s surprising to me I haven’t been to more fortification sites with the name ‘Nakayama’ considering how common the name is; it simply means ‘Middle Mountain’. This is a very minor site in Suwa County, and therefore not to be confused with several other sites with the same name throughout Shinano. Little to nothing remains of Nakayamajō, though on the hillside there is a flattened area which may have once hosted a residence. Castle blogger Takeshita Hanbē, who has gone about the region leaving reviews of obscure sites on Google Maps, reports tatebori (climbing moats), but I couldn’t find any. I went to the top of the hill to be sure not to miss anything and found an abandoned van (abandoned vans are so much creepier than abandoned cars). It wasn’t immediately obvious to me how it got up there, but I guess there used to be a road, and that the hill has been extensively worked throughout modern times, though it is just woods now.

Gallery

Main bailey

Castle Profile
English Name	Suwa Nakayama Castle
Japanese Name	諏訪中山城
Alternate Names	Nakayama-toride
Founder	Suwa Clan
Year Founded	c.1528
Castle Type	Hilltop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Artifacts	Kuruwa
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Fujimi Station on the Chūō Main Line; 25 minute walk
Visitor Information	24/7; free; mountain
Time Required	30 minutes
Location	Fujimi, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates	35° 54' 32.72" N, 138° 13' 15.20" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2022
Contributor	ART
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed

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