Takisawa Yakata
History
Takisawa-yakata was built in 1230 by Takisawa Shiroshige (also called Takisawa Shirō) who was originally part of the Nishina Clan. Later a yamajiro (mountaintop castle), Aźumi-Takisawajō (Azumi Takisawa Castle), was also built in the hills above.
Visit Notes
Nothing remains of Takisawajō-yakata, which is a pity because the fort had apparently an unusual layout. A map at Takisawajō shows the yakata as "Hectagonal Old Castle" in a hectagonal formation. This is very perculiar. But my guess is that the fort was perhaps built on an old kofun (burial mound). Hectagonal kofun, though not too common, did exist, and a fortification being built on a kofun, taking advantage of its relative elevation, certainly isn't unheard of.
The whole site is now residential. The elevation is not inconsiderable even so, and the view of the valley is good. It's quite remarkable but apprently at the right time of year one can see the Takeda clan insignia in its pattern of four diamonds appear on the opposite mountain range, as though carved into rock there, due to how the snow there falls in slips. I tried to search for it but there was a lot of cloud cover. I wonder how long this formation has been observable. Is it due to relatively recent landslides, or did the armies of Takeda notice this and take it as a great omen that their conquest of Shinano was heaven-ordained?
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Takisawa Yakata |
| Japanese Name | 滝沢館 |
| Alternate Names | 瀧澤館 |
| Founder | 1230 |
| Year Founded | Takisawa Shiroshige |
| Castle Type | Fortified Manor |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Aźumi-Oiwake Station on the Ôito Line; 10 minute drive or 60 minute walk |
| Visitor Information | Private Property |
| Time Required | 10 minutes |
| Location | Ikeda, Nagano Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 36° 24' 0.25" N, 137° 53' 33.97" E |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2021 |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
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