Zen Castle

History

Zen Castle was built in the mid Muromachi Period as the main castle of the Zen clan. Through much of it's history, Zen Castle was caught up in the struggles for this area as it was in between the greatest powers in the Kanto region. From 1469-1487, the Zen were constantly under attack by the Sano and finally forced from the castle. After becoming a vassal of the Yokoze at Ota Kanayama, they received Yokoze assistance to retake Zen Castle in 1488.

Roughly 100 years later, the Zen found themselves in a pivotal point between the Uesugi, Hojo, and Takeda. In 1572, their former allies the Yokoze (now known as the Yura) joined forces with the Hojo, while the Zen joined with the Uesugi. In the same year, the lord of Zen Castle was killed in a battle with the Shibukawa, vassals of the Hojo. The young heir was taken in by the Uesugi and in 1574, the Uesugi recaptured Zen Castle making it their furthest border castle. It is likely that the Oogo who was castellan at Yamagami Castle likewise managed Zen Castle together due to their very close proximity. The castle was lastly captured by the Takeda in 1580 but then abandoned with the death of Takeda Katsuyori in 1582 and the end of the Takeda family.

Visit Notes

Just a short walk from Yamagami Castle, Zen Castle is also a must see if you are nearby. Each bailey is fairly small compared to Yamagami Castle but it has a very Sengoku Period feel with many baileys and trenches. The baileys are also zigzagged creating flanking fire zones everywhere.
山上城からの徒歩圏ないなので、近くにいれば両方を見るべきでしょう。膳城の曲輪は山上城より小さいけれど、数が多いし、横やがけも多いからとても戦国時代の城を感じます。

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Gallery

Trenches and baileys
Trench and bailey embankment
Honmaru bailey
Trench and baileys
Trench and baileys
Trench
Trenches and baileys
Trench
Fukurokuruwa bailey
Trenches and baileys
Trenches
Trench
earthen bridge
Bailey
Trench
Trench and baileys
Embankment along a bailey
Trench and bailey
Trench and bailey
Trenches and baileys
Map

Castle Profile
English Name	Zen Castle
Japanese Name	膳城
Founder	Zen clan
Year Founded	Mid Muromachi Period
Castle Type	Hilltop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	Prefectural Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Zen Station (Jomo Rail Jomo Line), 10 min walk
Visitor Information	Park, open any time
Time Required	40 mins
Website	http://akagi-yama.jp/archives/29359
Location	Kiryu, Gunma Prefecture
Coordinates	36° 25' 17.26" N, 139° 13' 23.95" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2016
Admin Year Visited	2016
Admin Visits	May 3, 2016

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