Shimosaka Yakata

History

The Shimosaka-yakata was built in the Muromachi Period as the fortified manor house of the Shimosaka Clan who were the head clan governing Shimosaka Village in Sakata District. The Shimosaka Clan were militarily active throughout northern Ōmi Province throughout the Nanbokuchō and Sengoku Periods, serving both the Kyōgoku and Asai Clans (though presumably a different times).

The main building (Omoya) which stands today dates to the late 18th century, but it is considered to be a faithful reconstruction of the original lord's hall from the Sengoku Period. This is so also for the Omotemon (front gate). This has led to the site being hailed as the only kyokan site with its architecture retained from the Sengoku Period.

Visit Notes

Yakata refers to a medieval fortified manor house. Shimosaka-yakata is exceedingly precious because it contains faithful Edo Period reconstructions of the original Sengoku Period structures. I had initially come at the beginning of last month but it wasn't open at that time. It's now open to the public on weekends. I was able to enter the omoya (main residence) and get a good look at the dorui (earthen ramparts) and hori (moats) surrounding the site. There is also a koguchi ("tiger's maw") gate ruin.

Gallery

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Castle Profile
English Name	Shimosaka Yakata
Japanese Name	下坂館
Founder	Shimosaka Clan
Year Founded	Muromachi Period
Castle Type	Fortified Manor
Castle Condition	No main keep but other buildings
Designations	National Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Artifacts	Omotemon, Karabori, Dorui, Omoya, Koguchi
Features	gates, palace, trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Tamura Station on the Hokuriku Line; 20 minute walk
Visitor Information	9:00-16:00 (last entry 15:30); 300yen. Open only on SATURDAY and SUNDAY. CLOSED IN WINTER.
Time Required	120 minutes
Location	Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture
Coordinates	35° 21' 57.78" N, 136° 17' 4.45" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2020
Contributor	ART
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed

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ARTShogun

48 months ago

Score 1

updated gallery with new pictures

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