Complete Guide to Gōdo Castle (Mitake Town, Gifu Prefecture) | A Thorough Explanation of the Magnificent Remains and History of a Medieval Flatland Castle
Gōdo Castle, located in Mitake Town, Kani District, Gifu Prefecture, is a valuable historical site where the remains of a medieval flatland castle built during the Muromachi period remain in remarkably good condition. Its appearance, with earthworks and dry moats reaching nearly 10 meters in height despite being on flat land, is extremely rare nationwide and occupies an important position in the study of medieval castles.
This article comprehensively explains everything castle fans and history enthusiasts want to know, from the historical background and highlights of Gōdo Castle to access methods and information on castle stamps.
History and Construction Background of Gōdo Castle
Construction by Saitō Myōchin
Gōdo Castle is said to have been built during the early to mid-Muromachi period by Saitō Myōchin, a powerful warlord of Mino Province. The castle is believed to have been built around the time of the Ōnin War (1467-1477), and it functioned as an important base for consolidating control over Mino Province during this turbulent period.
Saito Myōchin served the Toki clan as the deputy governor of Mino Province and played an active role on the Western Army side during the Ōnin War. He was not merely a military commander but also known as a man of culture, well-versed in linked verse poetry and the tea ceremony. It is believed that Kando Castle, as one of Myōchin’s political and military bases, played a crucial role in the governance of Akechi-no-shō.
Strategic Location in Akechi-no-shō
The area where Kando Castle was built is included in the region formerly known as Akechi-no-shō. This region is also associated with the birthplace of Akechi Mitsuhide, who later became a powerful figure in the Sengoku period, and was a strategically important location in eastern Mino Province.
Located on the plains along the Kani River, Kando Castle controlled east-west transportation routes, making it a strategically valuable location for controlling and defending the surrounding area. The structure of this flatland castle, possessing strong defensive features, reflects the political situation and advancements in military technology at the time.
Castle History and Abandonment
Detailed historical records of Kando Castle are limited, but it is believed to have been used continuously throughout the Sengoku period (Warring States period). However, it is speculated that it was abandoned after Oda Nobunaga’s conquest of Mino Province, or during the time of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Currently, the castle site is occupied by farmland and private houses, but remarkably, the outer moat and earthworks remain almost completely intact, preserving them as valuable historical remains that convey the castle’s appearance at the time.
Structure and Scale of Kando Castle
Basic Structure of the Castle
Kando Castle is a trapezoidal flatland castle measuring approximately 180m east-west and 150m north-south. This size is considered large for a medieval residence-type castle, indicating the power and wealth of the castle lord.
The castle is considered a “residence,” and instead of utilizing the rugged terrain of a mountain castle for defense, it employs a method of constructing artificial defensive structures on flat land. This strongly reflects the characteristics of castle architecture from the Muromachi period, and reveals a different defensive philosophy from that of the mountain castles of the Sengoku period.
Magnificent Earthworks and Dry Moats
The greatest highlight of Kando Castle is the earthworks and dry moats surrounding its perimeter. These defensive structures have the following characteristics:
- Moat Depth: Reaching a maximum depth of 4-5 meters at the bottom of the moat
- Earthwork Height: The difference in elevation from the top of the earthworks to the bottom of the moat reaches nearly 10 meters
- Preservation Status: Almost completely intact, retaining its original appearance
- Scale: An extremely rare scale for a flatland castle nationwide
This combination of earthworks and dry moats represents the pinnacle of medieval castle technology, achieving strong defense even on flat land. Visiting the site in person is truly awe-inspiring due to the significant difference in elevation.
工夫s in the Defensive System
The defensive system of Kando Castle exhibits the following ingenious features:
- Multi-layered Defense: Combining earthworks and dry moats to gradually prevent enemy incursions
- Securing Visibility: The surrounding area can be surveyed from the top of the earthworks, allowing for early detection of enemy movements
- Advantageous Firing Position: Attacks with bows and arrows and thrown stones are possible from the high earthworks
- Trapezoidal Plan: The irregular trapezoidal layout is a rational design adapted to the terrain
These features are valuable examples demonstrating the development of castle construction technology from the Muromachi period to the early Sengoku period.
Highlights and Castle Remains of Kando Castle
Details of Existing Remains
When visiting the Kando Castle site, you can see the following remains:
Outer Moat and Earthworks
The dry moat and earthworks that almost completely surround the outer perimeter of the castle are the main highlight. The remains on the north and west sides are particularly well-preserved, allowing visitors to experience the significant elevation difference from the bottom of the moat to the top of the earthworks. Walking along the bottom of the moat, you’ll be overwhelmed by the grandeur of the earthworks towering on both sides.
Earthwork Cross-Section In some areas, you can observe the cross-section of the earthworks, confirming the meticulous earthworks constructed using the rammed earth technique. This is valuable evidence of the advanced civil engineering technology of the time.
Fortress Layout The trapezoidal layout of the castle still leaves traces in the land divisions and road arrangements, allowing us to understand the castle’s boundaries.
Photo Spots and Point of View
Recommended photo spots for castle photography enthusiasts:
- Earthwork at the Northwest Corner: Offers the greatest elevation difference, allowing for impressive photographs.
- Elevation from the Bottom of the Moat: Emphasizes the height of the earthwork.
- Overhead View from the Top of the Earthwork: Depicts the scale of the entire castle.
- Around the Information Stone Monument: Creates a historical atmosphere.
The best time to visit is late autumn to winter, when there is less vegetation. The shape of the remains can be observed more clearly.
Surrounding Historical Landscape
Around the site of Kando Castle, there are scattered landscapes that retain the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. The rural scenery along the Kani River provides clues to imagining the geographical environment of that time. Furthermore, historical sites related to Akechi-sho remain nearby, and visiting them together will allow for a deeper understanding of the historical context of this region.
Castle Stamp and Castle Sightseeing Information
Castle Stamp of Kando Castle
Kando Castle issues a castle stamp, which is popular among castle enthusiasts.
How to obtain the castle stamp:
- Sales location: Mitake-juku Waiwai-kan (1554-1 Mitake, Mitake-cho, Kani-gun)
- Opening hours: Same as the facility’s opening hours (checking before visiting is recommended)
- Price: Typical price range for castle stamps
Mitake-juku Waiwai-kan is a tourist hub facility in Mitake-juku on the Nakasendo road, where you can obtain information about castles in Mitake-cho other than Kando Castle. Along with the castle stamp, you can also obtain local historical materials and tourist brochures, making it an ideal starting point for castle tours.
Gifu Castle Card Pilgrimage
Kando Castle is included as one of the castles covered in the Gifu Castle Card Pilgrimage. This project is a stamp rally-style event that takes you around castles in Gifu Prefecture. By visiting the following castles in conjunction with this event, you can enjoy Gifu Prefecture’s castle culture more deeply:
- Akechi Castle (Kani City)
- Mino Kanayama Castle (Kani City)
- Mitake Castle (Mitake Town)
- Ohara Castle (Mitake Town)
- Kami-Edo Castle (Mitake Town)
Let’s Go to the Mountain Castles! Event
Every year, Mitake Town holds a castle-related event called “Let’s Go to the Mountain Castles!“, and Kando Castle is included. During this event, special guided tours and historical exhibits are sometimes held, providing an excellent opportunity to learn more about the castle’s history.
The event dates and details vary from year to year, so we recommend checking the latest information on the Mitake Town Tourism Association website or related websites.
Access and Visiting Guide
Location and Basic Information
- Address: Gōdo, Mitake-cho, Kani-gun, Gifu Prefecture (near Gōdo 954)
- Castle Type: Flatland Castle
- Construction Period: Muromachi period (late 15th century)
- Builder: Saitō Myōchin
- Remains: Earthworks, dry moats
- Designated Cultural Property: Town-designated historical site
Access by Car
From Nagoya:
- Approximately 10 minutes from the Kani-Mitake IC on the Tōkai-Kanjō Expressway
- Take National Route 21 and turn north at the intersection at the north end of Gōdo Bridge
- There is a guide stone monument in the settlement.
Parking: There is no dedicated parking lot, but there are a few spaces on the roadside around the castle ruins. However, consideration should be given to avoiding inconveniencing local residents. Using the parking lot at Mitake-juku Waiwai-kan and walking from there is also recommended.
Access by Public Transportation
By Train:
- Get off at Mitake Station on the Meitetsu Hiromi Line.
- Approximately 20-25 minutes on foot from the station, or approximately 5 minutes by taxi.
By Bus:
The Mitake Town Community Bus operates, but the number of buses is limited, so it is necessary to check the timetable in advance.
Notes for Visitors
- Respect for Private Property: Part of the castle site is farmland and residential area; please do not enter restricted areas.
- Visiting Manners: Please be aware that this is a residential area for local residents and observe quietly.
- Season: In summer, vegetation grows thick and the remains are difficult to see; late autumn to early spring is recommended.
- Attire: If walking along the moat bottom, wear shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
- Estimated Time Required: 30-60 minutes for a thorough visit.
Nearby Tourist Facilities
Ontake-juku Waiwai-kan (Outside walking distance, approximately 5 minutes by car)
A facility introducing the history and culture of Ontake-juku on the Nakasendo Road. It is also a place to purchase castle stamps.
Ontake-juku on the Nakasendo Road
A historical townscape that retains the atmosphere of an Edo-period post town. A stroll through this area in conjunction with a visit to Kando Castle is recommended.
Gankoji Temple
An ancient temple housing numerous cultural assets, including national treasures. An indispensable temple when discussing the history of Mitake Town.
Visiting the surrounding castles as well
Castles within Mitake Town
If you visit Kando Castle, visiting other castles within Mitake Town will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s medieval history.
Mitake Castle
A mountain castle located in the center of Mitake Town. Although its elevation is low, clear baileys and moats remain. You can learn about a mountain castle structure that is in contrast to Kando Castle.
Ohara Castle
A small but well-preserved mountain castle. Maintenance efforts by local volunteers have made it easier to visit.
Kamiedo Castle
A castle associated with the Toki clan, and an important historical site for understanding the Sengoku period history of Mitake Town.
Castles around Kani City
Akechi Castle (Kani City)
A castle with a legend of being the birthplace of Akechi Mitsuhide. It is an important historical site related to Akechi-sho, the same area as Kando Castle. It’s about a 15-minute drive away, and visiting both together is recommended.
Mino Kanayama Castle (Kani City)
A mountain castle selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles. Known as the residence of Mori Ranmaru, its remains, such as stone walls, are well-preserved. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Kando Castle.
Efficient Castle Tour Route
Half-Day Course:
Kaido Castle → Mitake Castle → Stroll through Nakasendo Mitake-juku → Mitake-juku Waiwai-kan (Obtain Castle Stamp)
Full-Day Course:
Kaido Castle → Castles in Mitake Town (Mitake Castle, Ohara Castle, Kamieido Castle) → Akechi Castle → Mino Kanayama Castle
This route allows you to experience diverse castle types, from flatland castles to mountain castles, and gain a three-dimensional understanding of the history of eastern Mino Province from the medieval to the Sengoku period.
Historical Value and Research of Kaido Castle
Importance in Medieval Flatland Castle Research
Kaido Castle holds significant value in medieval castle research in the following respects:
Preservation of Remains
It is rare nationwide to find such a large-scale earthwork and dry moat well-preserved despite being located on flat land. While many flatland castles have been lost due to urban development and land consolidation, the remains of Kando Castle have preserved their original form almost perfectly.
Castle Technology of the Muromachi Period
The structure of Kando Castle demonstrates the development of castle construction technology during the transition period from mountain castles to flatland castles. It showcases a complete form of civil engineering-based defensive system, distinct from the all-stone castles of the Sengoku period.
Material for Regional History Research
As a samurai residence in the important Akechi Manor, it is a valuable example for understanding the regional power structure of the medieval period.
Excavation and New Findings
Previous investigations have yielded the following findings:
- Construction method of earthworks (use of rammed earth technique)
- Detailed shape and scale of moats
- Estimation of building layout within the castle
- Dating based on excavated artifacts
Further detailed excavations are expected to reveal more historical facts.
Efforts for Preservation and Utilization
Mitake Town is committed to the preservation and utilization of the Kando Castle site. In addition to being protected as a town-designated historical site, efforts are also underway to develop it as a tourist resource.
Efforts continue to pass on this regional historical heritage to future generations, including the installation of information boards, the issuance of castle stamps, and its introduction at events such as “Let’s Go to the Mountain Castle!”
Summary: Experience the Charm of Kando Castle
Kando Castle in Mitake Town, Gifu Prefecture, may appear unassuming at first glance, but a visit reveals awe-inspiring earthworks and dry moats. The defensive structures, with elevation differences of nearly 10 meters, represent the pinnacle of medieval castle construction technology, and examples of such large-scale remains on flat land are extremely rare nationwide.
The castle was built by Saito Myochin, a warrior skilled in both military and literary arts; its location in the historically important Akechi-sho region; and its surprisingly good state of preservation—all of these factors make Kando Castle a special place.
If you are planning a castle tour in Gifu Prefecture, be sure to add Kando Castle to your list, in addition to famous castles like Gifu Castle and Mino Kanayama Castle. By obtaining a castle stamp, actually walking along the bottom of the moat, and experiencing the height of the earthworks, you can get a real feel for what medieval castles were like.
Visiting nearby castles such as Mitake Castle, Akechi Castle, and Mino Kanayama Castle will give you a deeper understanding of the history of eastern Mino Province from the medieval period to the Sengoku period. Why not experience the spirit of medieval samurai at the historically romantic Kando Castle?
