Tomatsu Castle (Hyogo Prefecture) Complete Guide | A Castle Site in Settsu Province Known as a Key Defense Point During the Sengoku Period
Basic Information on Tomatsu Castle
Tomatsu Castle is a castle site from the Sengoku period located in Tomatsu-cho, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture. Despite being located within the current Amagasaki city area, its remains, dating back approximately 500 years, are remarkably well-preserved, making it an extremely valuable cultural asset in Hyogo Prefecture.
Basic Data
- Location: Tomimatsu-cho 2 & 3-chome, Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture (formerly Higashi-Tomimatsu Kita-ichi)
- Former Province: Settsu Province
- Classification/Structure: Flatland castle, castle with earthworks and moats
- Builder: Estimated to be the Yakushiji clan
- Year of Construction: Estimated to be before Chōkyō 1 (1487)
- Keep Structure: None (No keep existed as it is a medieval castle)
- Main Lords: Yakushiji clan, Hosokawa clan, Miyoshi clan, Araki Murashige, etc.
- Remains: Earthworks, moats
- Designation: Amagasaki City Designated Historic Site
- Common Name/Alternate Name: Higashi Tomimatsu Castle (related to the theory of two locations as one castle)
Tomimatsu Castle was located almost midway between the three major strongholds of the western Settsu region: Amagasaki Castle (Daimotsu Castle), Itami Castle (Arioka Castle), and Koshimizu Castle. It played a strategically important role as a border defense and communication hub.
Overview
The Tomimatsu Castle ruins are a valuable historical site where the remains of earthworks and moats from the Sengoku period (Warring States period) can still be seen today. The existing earthworks extend approximately 11 meters wide, 4 meters high, and 47 meters long. Based on previous archaeological excavations, it is estimated that Tomimatsu Castle was a castle with earthworks and a double moat, measuring over 150 meters east-west and over 200 meters north-south.
It is a rare and valuable archaeological site in Hyogo Prefecture, as it retains traces of a Sengoku period castle despite being located on flat land in an urban area. The remaining structures are in the northwest corner of the enclosure, where the earthworks and moat are well-preserved. The oldest record of Tomimatsu Castle is believed to be a document dated January of the second year of Chōkyō (1488), where the name “Tomimatsu Castle” first appears, confirming its existence shortly after the Ōnin War. Some historical sources suggest that the name Tomimatsu Castle is also recorded in a tax calculation document for the Nyoi-an territory from the first year of Chōkyō (1487).
Geographically, it was located almost in the center of a triangle connecting the former Amagasaki Castle, Arioka Castle in Itami, and Koshimizu Castle in Nishinomiya, functioning as a communication and defensive base midway between these key castles. Due to this location, Tomimatsu Castle frequently became the site of battles and was ravaged by war during power struggles in Settsu Province.
History
Construction Period (Late 15th Century)
While there are no clear records regarding the exact construction date of Tomimatsu Castle, its name already appears in a document from 1488 (Chōkyō 2), leading to the speculation that it was built shortly before or during the Ōnin War (1467-1477).
The builder is believed to be the Yakushiji clan, but there is no reliable historical evidence to support this, and the details of Tomimatsu Castle’s founding remain shrouded in mystery. The Yakushiji clan was known as a local lord in Settsu Province and held considerable influence in the region, suggesting their involvement in the castle’s construction.
Early Sengoku Period (Late 15th Century – Early 16th Century)
From the late 15th to the 16th century, Tomimatsu Castle became a battleground for the conflict between the Hosokawa and Miyoshi clans. In the struggle for control of Settsu Province, Tomimatsu Castle functioned as an important base, and its lords changed frequently.
During the time of Hosokawa Masamoto, the castle was under the control of the Hosokawa clan. However, due to internal conflicts within the Hosokawa clan and the rise of the Miyoshi clan, the castle’s ownership underwent complex changes.
The Era of Miyoshi Nagayoshi (Mid-16th Century)
In the mid-16th century, when Miyoshi Nagayoshi ruled Settsu Province, Tomimatsu Castle was used as a branch castle of Koshimizu Castle. Miyoshi Nagayoshi reigned as a powerful daimyo controlling Settsu, Kawachi, and Izumi provinces, and Tomimatsu Castle played a vital role in the Miyoshi clan’s control.
During this period, Tomimatsu Castle is thought to have functioned as an important military base in the Miyoshi clan’s control of Settsu, serving as a center for governing the surrounding region and conducting military operations.
Oda Nobunaga’s Invasion of Settsu (Late 16th Century)
Entering the Tensho era (1573-1592), Oda Nobunaga’s influence extended to the Kinai region, and Settsu Province also came under his influence. In 1578, when Araki Murashige rebelled against Oda Nobunaga, Tomimatsu Castle may have been within the sphere of influence of the Araki clan, whose base was Arioka Castle (Itami Castle).
It is believed that Tomimatsu Castle, along with Koshimizu Castle, was abandoned during Oda Nobunaga’s invasion of Settsu Province. From this point onward, Tomimatsu Castle lost its function as a military base and followed the path to becoming a ruined castle.
Tomimatsu Castle as a Battlefield
Due to its geographical location, Tomimatsu Castle was a battlefield numerous times throughout the Sengoku period. Located midway between the major Settsu Province strongholds of Amagasaki Castle, Itami Castle, and Koshimizu Castle, it inevitably became a target of attack and defense in conflicts between the forces controlling these castles.
Conflict between the Hosokawa and Miyoshi Clans
From the late 15th to the early 16th century, a fierce conflict for control of Settsu Province unfolded between the Hosokawa clan, who held the position of Kanrei (deputy shogun), and their vassal, the Miyoshi clan. Tomimatsu Castle played a crucial role in this conflict as a frontline base for both sides and as a defensive stronghold protecting the borders of their controlled territories.
Military chronicles frequently mention the battles at Tomimatsu Castle, and record the frequent changes in its lord. This frequent change of lords indicates that Tomimatsu Castle was at the center of intense warfare.
The Araki Murashige Rebellion and Tomimatsu Castle
In 1578, when Araki Murashige, based at Arioka Castle (Itami Castle), rebelled against Oda Nobunaga, Tomimatsu Castle was also within the Araki clan’s sphere of influence. Oda Nobunaga dispatched a large army to suppress Araki Murashige and besieged Arioka Castle.
While there are no clear records of Tomimatsu Castle’s role in this battle, it is highly likely that it played some military function as a subsidiary castle of Arioka Castle.
Strategic Importance
The reason Tomimatsu Castle repeatedly became a battlefield lies in its location. Located at a crucial transportation hub connecting three major strongholds—Amagasaki, Itami, and Koshimizu—Tomimatsu Castle held an indispensable position for securing communication routes between these castles.
Furthermore, controlling Tomimatsu Castle allowed for monitoring the movements of hostile forces and defending one’s own territory. Therefore, Tomimatsu Castle was a vital strategic point that any force vying for control of Settsu Province absolutely had to control.
Abandonment
There are no clear records regarding the exact date of Tomimatsu Castle’s abandonment. However, it is believed that after Oda Nobunaga’s invasion of Settsu, particularly in the late Tensho era, it had already lost its function as a military base.
History of Abandonment
After the Araki Murashige Rebellion in 1578, Oda Nobunaga proceeded with the pacification of Settsu Province. During this process, many medieval castles and fortifications within Settsu, including Koshimizu Castle, were abandoned, and it is presumed that Tomimatsu Castle was also abandoned around this time.
Oda Nobunaga adopted a policy of abolishing numerous small castles and fortifications in his territories and consolidating them into major strongholds. It is believed that small to medium-sized castles like Tomimatsu Castle ceased to serve their military role under this policy.
Post-Abandonment Transformation
After its abandonment, the Tomimatsu Castle site was used for farmland. However, the remains such as earthworks and moats were not completely destroyed and continued to exist as part of the topography. Throughout the Edo period, the existence of the castle site was passed down as a local memory, and it continued to be recognized as “Tomimatsu Castle Site” even after the Meiji era.
In the Showa era, urbanization progressed in Amagasaki City, and the area around the castle site also became urbanized. Fortunately, however, parts of the earthworks and moats escaped destruction and have been preserved to this day.
Preservation as a Historic Site
The historical value of the Tomimatsu Castle site began to be recognized from the 1950s onwards. Excavation surveys began in 1962 (Showa 37), and the scale and structure of the castle gradually became clear.
Currently, the Tomimatsu Castle ruins are protected as a designated historical site by Amagasaki City. A local residents’ committee, the “Tomimatsu Castle Ruins Community Development Committee,” has been formed to work on the preservation and utilization of the historical site. Its value as a precious relic of the Sengoku period remaining in an urban area is highly regarded.
The Two-Location, One-Castle Theory
One interesting point of discussion in research on Tomimatsu Castle is the “Two-Location, One-Castle Theory.” This theory suggests the possibility that Tomimatsu Castle actually existed in two separate locations.
East Tomimatsu Castle and West Tomimatsu Castle
Some researchers suggest that “Tomimatsu Castle,” as it appears in historical records, may actually refer to two geographically separated castles. One theory distinguishes between the castle ruins in Tomimatsu Town, where the remains currently exist, as “East Tomimatsu Castle,” and the castle that may have existed elsewhere as “West Tomimatsu Castle.”
The following points are cited as evidence for this theory:
- Contradictions in historical sources: Descriptions of the location and size of Tomimatsu Castle appearing in different historical sources are sometimes difficult to explain as a single castle.
- Distribution of place names: The place name Tomimatsu is distributed over a relatively wide area, suggesting the possibility of multiple castles existing there.
- Strategic arrangement: It is possible that the two castles could have worked together to create a more effective defense system.
Academic Evaluation
However, the “two locations, one castle” theory remains a hypothesis at present, as no conclusive archaeological evidence has been found. Further archaeological excavations may reveal the truth or falsity of this theory.
Many researchers believe that the castle ruins currently remaining in Tomimatsu Town are the Tomimatsu Castle mentioned in historical sources. The “two locations, one castle” theory is an interesting point of contention in Tomimatsu Castle research, and further research is awaited.
Future Challenges
Further archaeological excavations and historical research are necessary to fully understand Tomimatsu Castle. In particular, many fundamental aspects remain unclear, such as the castle’s construction period, details of its successive lords, and the exact date of its abandonment.
Including the verification of the theory that it was a single castle in two locations, Tomimatsu Castle is a historical site shrouded in mystery, and further research is anticipated.
Access to the Castle Ruins
Tomimatsu Castle Ruins are located within the city of Amagasaki, making them easily accessible by public transportation.
Access by Train
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot (about 600 meters) northeast from Hankyu Kobe Line “Mukonoso Station”
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot north from JR Kobe Line “Tachibana Station”
Mukonoso Station is the most convenient nearest station. From the station, proceed northeast through the residential area to reach the castle ruins.
Access by Bus
If using Hanshin Bus, get off at the “Tomimatsu Castle Ruins” bus stop; the castle ruins are right in front of you. The bus stop is clearly named “Tomimatsu Castle Ruins,” making it very easy to find, and recommended for first-time visitors.
Access by Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from the Amagasaki Suehiro Exit of the Hanshin Expressway Route 5 Wangan Line
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Amagasaki Interchange of the Meishin Expressway
There is no dedicated parking lot around the castle ruins, so using public transportation is recommended. If visiting by car, you will need to use a nearby coin-operated parking lot.
On-site Visit
Tomimatsu Castle Ruins are located at a road intersection to the northwest. The intersection and bus stop are both named “Tomimatsu Castle Ruins,” making it easy to find.
The remains are preserved within a residential area, and you can view parts of the earthworks and moat up close. Information boards are also installed, allowing you to deepen your understanding of the castle’s history and structure.
Visiting the site is free, but please be considerate of the residents as the surrounding area is a residential neighborhood.
Related Historical Sites in the Area
When visiting Tomimatsu Castle Ruins, we recommend also visiting the related historical sites in the surrounding area.
- Amagasaki Castle Ruins: A castle ruin from the early modern period located in the center of Amagasaki City. The keep was rebuilt in 2019.
- Arioka Castle Ruins (Itami Castle Ruins): A castle ruin known as the residence of Araki Murashige. Remains are preserved around JR Itami Station.
- Koshimizu Castle Ruins: A medieval castle ruin located in Nishinomiya City. Like Tomimatsu Castle, it was an important base in Settsu Province.
By visiting these castle ruins, you can gain a deeper understanding of the castle network in Settsu Province during the Sengoku period and the position of Tomimatsu Castle.
Estimated Visiting Time
You should allow 30 minutes to 1 hour to visit Tomimatsu Castle Ruins. By carefully observing the remains of the earthworks and moats, reading the explanatory signs, and examining the surrounding topography, you can imagine what the castle looked like during the Sengoku period.
If you plan to take photographs or conduct detailed observations, we recommend allocating more time.
Cultural Value of Tomimatsu Castle
Tomimatsu Castle ruins possess high cultural value as an extremely rare example of a Sengoku period castle ruin in Hyogo Prefecture.
Preservation of the Remains
The most striking feature of Tomimatsu Castle ruins is the excellent preservation of the earthworks and moats, despite its location on flat land in an urban area. The earthworks, approximately 11 meters wide, 4 meters high, and 47 meters long, are valuable surviving artifacts that convey the structure of a Sengoku period castle.
While many castle ruins exist in Hyogo Prefecture, few examples of medieval castle remains remaining so clearly within an urban area are found, and Tomimatsu Castle ruins are highly valued as a historical site.
Results of Archaeological Excavations
Since 1962 (Showa 37), multiple archaeological excavations have been conducted at the Tomimatsu Castle site. To date, 24 excavations have been carried out, gradually revealing the castle’s scale and structure.
The excavations have revealed that Tomimatsu Castle was a full-fledged castle with earthen ramparts and a double moat, and that it measured over 150 meters east-west and over 200 meters north-south. Furthermore, excavated artifacts have provided information about the period in which the castle was used and the lifestyle of those who lived there at the time.
Significance in the Region
The Tomimatsu Castle site is an indispensable historical site when discussing the history of Amagasaki City. For local residents, it is a valuable cultural asset that allows them to feel a close connection to their local history and is part of the region’s identity.
As seen in the activities of the “Committee for Community Development Utilizing the Tomimatsu Castle Site,” local residents are actively engaged in the preservation and utilization of the historical site, making it a good example of community development centered on cultural assets.
Future Preservation and Utilization
Continued efforts are necessary for the preservation and utilization of the Tomimatsu Castle ruins. As a historical site located in an urban area, the challenge lies in appropriately preserving the remains while harmonizing with development pressures.
At the same time, outreach activities to make the value of the historical site known to more people are also important. Various methods are needed to convey the appeal of the Tomimatsu Castle ruins, such as improving explanatory signs, conducting guided tours, and disseminating information using digital technology.
References
Research on Tomimatsu Castle has been conducted based on limited historical materials and the results of archaeological excavations. The following are the main references.
Basic References
- Amagasaki City Board of Education, “Tomimatsu Castle Ruins Excavation Survey Report,” various survey reports
- Amagasaki City History Editorial Committee, “Amagasaki City History,” Volumes 1-3, Amagasaki City, 1966-1970
- Hyogo Prefecture Board of Education, “Medieval Castles and Residences in Hyogo Prefecture,” Hyogo Prefecture Board of Education, 1998
- “Comprehensive Survey of Japanese Castles,” Volume 12 (Osaka/Hyogo), Shin Jinbutsu Oraisha, 1981
Papers and Research Notes
- Tomimatsu Castle Ruins Community Development Committee (ed.), “Tomimatsu Castle Ruins Survey and Research Report”
- “On the Results of the Excavation Survey of Tomimatsu Castle Ruins,” “Amagasaki City Cultural Property Survey Report”
- “Research on Medieval Castles and Residences in Settsu Province,” “History of Hyogo Prefecture”
Books for the General Public
- “A Tour of Hyogo Castles,” Kobe Shimbun General Publishing Center
- “Walking the Famous Castles of Kinki,” Yoshikawa Kobunkan
- “Castles and Battles of the Warring States Period,” Gakken Plus
Internet Resources
- Amagasaki City Official Website, “Tomimatsu Castle Ruins”
- Hyogo Prefecture Tourism Site, HYOGO! Navi
- Cultural Properties Comprehensive WebGIS (Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties)
Through these documents, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history, structure, and cultural value of Tomimatsu Castle.
Sources and Footnotes
The following historical materials and research findings were consulted in the preparation of this article.
- Document dated January, Chōkyō 2 (1488): The first recorded appearance of the name Tomimatsu Castle in historical records.
- Annual Tax Calculation Document for Nyoi-an Domain, Chōkyō 1 (1487): A document considered by some researchers to be the first mention of Tomimatsu Castle.
- Excavation survey reports by the Amagasaki City Board of Education (1st to 24th surveys).
- Description of Tomimatsu Castle in the “History of Amagasaki City.”
- Entry for Tomimatsu Castle in the Hyogo Prefecture Board of Education’s “Medieval Castles and Residences of Hyogo Prefecture.”
- Research report by the Committee for Town Development Utilizing the Tomimatsu Castle Ruins.
Regarding the history of Tomimatsu Castle, due to the limited availability of reliable historical sources, some descriptions include estimations and hypotheses. In particular, new insights may be gained through future research regarding the builder, construction date, and abandonment period.
This article aims to describe the history and current state of Tomimatsu Castle as accurately as possible based on currently available information. However, please note that some content may be updated as research progresses.
Summary
Tomimatsu Castle is a valuable castle ruin from the Sengoku period (Warring States period) located in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture. Strategically situated between major strongholds in Settsu Province, it frequently became a battlefield and played a prominent role in history.
Despite being located on flat land in an urban area, the well-preserved remains of its earthworks and moats make it an extremely valuable cultural asset in Hyogo Prefecture. Many aspects remain unclear, such as the builder, construction date, and abandonment period, but this is precisely why it continues to fascinate history buffs and researchers as a “castle full of mysteries.”
Located in a convenient location, approximately a 15-minute walk from Hankyu Mukonoso Station, it’s an easily accessible historical site. Those interested in the history of Settsu Province during the Sengoku period, or those interested in medieval castles, should definitely visit the Tomimatsu Castle ruins. Witnessing the 500-year-old earthworks and moats will allow you to feel the spirit of the Sengoku period.
