The History and Remains of Johana Castle (Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture) | A Thorough Explanation of the Relationship Between the Araki Clan’s Residence and Zentoku-ji Temple
Johana Castle (Johana-jo) was a castle from the Sengoku period that once existed in the Johana district of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture. Also known as Araki-kan and Jogahana Castle, it played an important role in the history of the region. Even today, its exact location remains unknown, making it a mysterious castle that attracts attention among history enthusiasts.
This article provides a comprehensive explanation of Johana Castle, from its basic information and history to the current state of its remains and the townscape of Johana, which developed as a castle town.
Basic Information on Johana Castle
Location and Former Province
Location: Johana area, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture
Former Province: Tonami District, Etchu Province
Common Name/Alternate Name: Araki-kan, Jogahana Castle
Johana is now part of Nanto City. On November 1, 2004 (Heisei 16), seven municipalities, including Johana Town, merged to form Nanto City. Formerly belonging to Higashi-Tonami District, it retains a charming townscape known as “Little Kyoto of Etchu.”
Access Information
Access to the Johana area is as follows:
- Train: Get off at Johana Station on the JR Johana Line.
- Bus: Approximately 60 minutes by Nanto-Kanazawa bus from Kanazawa Station.
- Car: Approximately 15 minutes from Fukumitsu IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway.
Johana Station is the terminal station of the Johana Line, and a tourist information center (Nanto City Tourism Association, 206-22 Koreyasu, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture 939-1852, TEL 0763-62-1201) is located near the station.
Castle Size and Structure
The exact size of Johana Castle is unknown because no clear remains have been preserved. However, according to historical documents such as the “Etsutoga Sanshu Shi,” it is presumed to have had the following structure.
- An outer fort existed at the entrance to the town of Johana.
- The main castle was located on the south side of the town.
- It is possible that moats and earthworks surrounded the castle.
It is thought to have been a medium-sized castle for a local powerful family during the Sengoku period, and is presumed to have been a flatland castle combining defensive and residential functions.
History of Johana Castle
The Araki Clan’s Rule and the Establishment of the Castle
The Araki clan, who ruled this area, made Johana Castle their residence. There are various theories about the origins of the Araki clan; some records refer to them as “Zentaifu” or “Rokubei,” but the details are unknown.
Among the Araki clan, Araki Daizen is particularly well-known. Daizen was a devout follower of the Ikkō-shū (Jōdo Shinshū) sect, and records show that he invited Zentoku-ji Temple to his castle. This act suggests not only religious faith but also a connection to the Ikkō-ikki forces in Etchū Province at the time.
Connection to the Etchu Ikko-ikki Rebellion
During the Sengoku period, Etchu Province, like Kaga Province, was a region where the Ikko-ikki rebellion was very active. Groups of followers centered around Ikko-shu temples wielded considerable power, sometimes even confronting powerful daimyo (feudal lords).
Araki Daizen invited Zentoku-ji Temple to Johana in 1559 (Eiroku 2). Zentoku-ji Temple was originally located in Fukumitsu (present-day Fukumitsu district, Nanto City), but its relocation to Johana strengthened Johana’s character as a temple town.
A temple town is a self-governing town formed around a Jodo Shinshu temple, a unique urban form where religious authority and economic prosperity were intertwined. The relationship between Johana Castle and Zentoku-ji Temple reflects the unique political situation in Etchu Province during the Sengoku period, characterized by the coexistence of samurai and religious forces.
Subservience to the Maeda Clan and the Fate of the Araki Clan
During the Tensho era (1573-1592), Etchu Province came under the influence of Oda Nobunaga, and subsequently, Maeda Toshiie rose to power as a daimyo ruling over Kaga, Noto, and Etchu.
According to the traditions of the Araki family, who became samurai of the Kaga Domain during the Edo period, Araki Daizen pledged allegiance to Maeda Toshiie when Johana became Maeda territory. Then, in 1590, he participated in Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Odawara campaign as part of the Maeda army.
It is said that Araki Daizen was killed in the Battle of Hachioji Castle, one of the preliminary battles leading up to the Odawara campaign. While there are no clear records of what happened to Johana Castle after Daizen’s death, it is believed that as the Maeda clan’s rule was established, the castle lost its function.
Development of the Town Centered Around Zentoku-ji Temple
After Johana Castle was abandoned, the town of Johana continued to develop as a temple town centered around Zentoku-ji Temple. Zentoku-ji Temple (Johana Nishikami, Nanto City, a designated cultural property of Toyama Prefecture), a branch temple of the Shinshu Otani sect, remains a central presence in the Johana area, and a townscape reminiscent of a temple town has been formed.
Throughout the Edo period, Johana prospered from the silk weaving industry, forming an elegant townscape known as “Little Kyoto of Etchu.” Combined with the hilly terrain, a unique landscape was created, and the historical townscape is still preserved today.
Remains and Current Status of Johana Castle
Controversy Regarding the Location of the Castle Site
The biggest mystery of Johana Castle is that its exact location has not yet been determined.
Traditional Theory: For many years, it was believed that Johana Castle was built on the site where the current Johana Betsuin Zentoku-ji Temple stands (Johana Nishikami, Nanto City). The historical context of Zentoku-ji Temple being invited by the Araki clan made the interpretation that the temple was built on the castle site seem natural.
Archaeological Issues: However, although archaeological excavations have been conducted around Zentoku-ji Temple, no artifacts or structures that can be definitively identified as belonging to the Johana Castle period have been found. Traces characteristic of a castle, such as moat remains, earthworks, stone walls, and post holes, have not been found.
Estimation from Historical Documents: The Edo period geographical record, “Etto-ga-sanshu-shi,” states that “there was an outwork at the entrance to the town of Johana, and the castle was located south of the town.” According to this description, it is more likely that the main castle was located further south than the current location of Zentoku-ji Temple.
Candidate Sites and Future Investigations
Currently, the following locations are considered as candidate sites for Johana Castle:
- Around Zentoku-ji Temple: The most likely location according to legend, but no remains have been found.
- High ground south of Johana town: Matches the description in the “Etto-Ga Sanshu Shi” (History of the Three Provinces of Etchu, Toga, and Nagano).
- Hillside area around Johana district: Topographically suitable for a castle.
Further detailed document research, ground-penetrating radar surveys, and trial excavations may reveal the exact location of Johana Castle.
Existing Related Remains
While no remains of Johana Castle itself have been confirmed, the townscape as a castle town has historical value.
- Zentoku-ji Temple: A Toyama Prefecture designated cultural property. It holds high historical importance as a temple invited by the Araki clan.
- Johana townscape: A historical landscape retaining the atmosphere of a temple town.
- Slope town: A unique town layout that utilizes the topography.
These are not direct remains of Johana Castle, but they are valuable cultural heritage that conveys the history of a town that developed around a castle and temple.
Reviews and Visitor Feedback on Johana Castle
The following comments have been received from history enthusiasts and tourists who have visited Johana Castle:
History Fan Reviews: Many positive comments include, “The mystery of its exact location only adds to the historical romance,” and “The solemn atmosphere of Zentoku-ji Temple allows one to reflect on the Sengoku period.”
Combining with Townscape Exploration: While Johana Castle itself has few remaining structures, visiting it in combination with the historic townscape of Johana, Zentoku-ji Temple, and the Johana Hikiyama Museum allows for a comprehensive understanding of the region’s history.
Ease of Access: Visitors appreciate that major spots are within walking distance of Johana Station, the terminal station of the JR Johana Line.
Information on Nearby Spots to Johana Castle
When visiting Johana Castle (estimated location), we recommend also visiting the following nearby spots.
Johana Betsuin Zentoku-ji Temple
Location: Johana Nishikami, Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture
Designation: Toyama Prefecture Designated Cultural Property
Features: A branch temple of the Shinshu Otani sect. A historical temple invited from Fukumitsu by the Araki clan in 1559. The main hall is a magnificent building and serves as the spiritual center of Johana.
Johana Hikiyama Hall
This facility exhibits materials related to the Johana Shinmei-gu Festival’s Hikiyama Procession (a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property), a traditional event of Johana. You can see the gorgeous floats and portable shrines of the Hikiyama Festival, held every May, up close.
Nanto City Johana Traditional Performing Arts Hall “Johana-za”
Located south of the Johana Hikiyama Hall, this large traditional performing arts hall serves as a base for tourists, offering opportunities to experience and appreciate Johana’s traditional performing arts.
The Townscape of Johana
Johana, which developed as a temple town, preserves a historical townscape lined with lattice-doored townhouses and storehouses. Its charming scenery, often called “Little Kyoto of Etchu,” is perfect for a stroll. The many hills are also a characteristic feature, and the undulating terrain creates a unique atmosphere.
Around Johana Station
Johana Station, the terminal station of the JR Johana Line, houses the Nanto City Tourism Association’s information center, where you can obtain tourist information and arrange for a guide (3,000 yen for up to 2 hours per guide, 1,000 yen for each additional hour). Experience programs in retro Western-style buildings are also available.
Culture and Tourism in the Johana Area
The Float Procession of the Johana Shinmei Shrine Festival
The float procession of the Johana Shinmei Shrine Festival, held annually on May 4th and 5th, is a traditional event designated as a Nationally Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Magnificent floats parade through the town, and elegant singing and dancing are performed on the portable shrines. This festival is a symbolic event of Johana’s history and culture, attracting many tourists.
The Tradition of Silk Weaving
The silk weaving industry, which has continued since the Edo period, is an important cultural heritage of Johana. Known as “Johana cloth,” the traditional techniques of silk weaving are still passed down today, and experiential programs are also offered.
The Landscape of “Little Kyoto of Etchu”
With its temple townscape centered around Zentoku-ji Temple, its hilly terrain, and its townhouses with lattice doors, Johana maintains an elegant landscape, earning it the nickname “Little Kyoto of Etchu.” This townscape is the result of a history built around Johana Castle and Zentoku-ji Temple, and visitors can feel the weight of history that has continued since the Sengoku period.
Current Status and Challenges of Johana Castle Research
Limitations of Documentary Sources
Documentary sources concerning Johana Castle are limited, with Edo period geographical records such as the “Etto-ga Sanshu Shi” and the Araki family’s family history being the main sources of information. Due to the scarcity of primary sources from the Sengoku period, much of the detailed structure and historical background of the castle currently relies on speculation.
The Need for Archaeological Investigation
Since no castle remains have been discovered around Zentoku-ji Temple, further investigations into potential sites are necessary. New discoveries are expected through the use of cutting-edge technologies such as ground-penetrating radar, aerial photograph analysis, and topographic surveying.
Collaboration with Regional History Research
Research on Johana Castle should be conducted within the broader context of regional history, including the history of the Ikko-ikki uprising in Etchu Province, the Maeda clan’s rule over Etchu, and the formation of the temple town. Integrated research with the temple history of Zentoku-ji Temple and the urban history of Johana will lead to a clearer understanding of the true nature of Johana Castle.
Summary: The Historical Significance of Johana Castle
Despite the challenge of unclear remains, Johana Castle is an important site for understanding the history of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture.
As the residence of the Araki clan, a local powerful family during the Sengoku period, its historical transformation—from its involvement with the Ikko-ikki forces in Etchu Province to eventually falling under the control of the Maeda clan—symbolizes the political situation in Etchu Province during that era.
After the abandonment of Johana Castle, the town of Johana developed as a temple town centered around Zentoku-ji Temple, and continues to attract many people as “Little Kyoto of Etchu.” Its rich cultural heritage, including the float procession of the Johana Shinmei-gu Festival and the tradition of silk weaving, is the result of a history built upon the foundations of Johana Castle.
The mystery of the castle’s exact location, which remains undetermined, conversely ignites historical romance and raises expectations for future research. When visiting Johana, why not take a stroll through Zentoku-ji Temple and the historic townscape, and reflect on the region’s history that has continued since the Sengoku period? The Johana district of Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, is easily accessible via the JR Johana Line, and there are also ample bus services from Kanazawa. The tourist information center at Johana Station provides detailed information and guide services, making it easy to enjoy historical exploration even on your first visit.
Unraveling the mysteries of Johana Castle and preserving Johana’s history and culture will undoubtedly remain important challenges for the region in the future.
