Hongō Tōjō (Uda City)

Hongō Higashi Castle (Uda City) Complete Guide: A Thorough Explanation of History, Remains, and Access

Located in Uda City, Nara Prefecture, Hongō Higashi Castle is a valuable mountain castle ruin that conveys the history of the Sengoku period (Warring States period). This castle site, affectionately known locally as “Higashijō,” is an essential historical site for understanding the history of the Uda region. This article comprehensively covers information useful for those considering a visit, from the historical background of Hongō Higashi Castle to the characteristics of its remains, highlights, and access methods.

What is Hongō Higashi Castle?

Hongō Higashi Castle is a medieval mountain castle located in Hongō, Haibara, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Built on a hill approximately 400 meters above sea level, this castle functioned as a base for the local lord who ruled Uda County. Currently, some remains of the castle are preserved, attracting attention from castle enthusiasts and history buffs.

Basic Information about the Castle

Location: Haibara Hongō, Uda City, Nara Prefecture
Castle Structure: Mountain Castle
Construction Period: Estimated to be from the late Muromachi period to the Sengoku period
Builder: Said to be the Akiyama or Sawa clan
Abandonment Period: Around the Tenshō era (1573-1592)
Remains: Enclosures, earthworks, moats, etc.

The name Hongō Higashi Castle originates from its location on the east side of the Hongō settlement in the Haibara district of Uda City. It is also simply called “Higashi Castle” in the region, and a counterpart castle, “Nishi Castle” (Hongō Nishi Castle), is believed to have existed nearby.

History of Hongō Higashi Castle

Background and Era of Construction

Hongō Higashi Castle is thought to have been built during the late Muromachi period to the Sengoku period. During this period, Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture) was a complex battleground for power between temples and shrines centered around Kofuku-ji Temple and local lords.

The Uda region, located in the eastern part of Yamato Province, was a crucial transportation hub to Ise and Iga Provinces. Therefore, various forces repeatedly vied for control of the region. Hongō-Higashi Castle is thought to have been a defensive stronghold built by a local lord of Uda County to protect their sphere of influence within this regional context.

Related Clans to the Castle Lord

Regarding the lord of Hongō-Higashi Castle, there are few clear historical records, making it impossible to say anything definitively. However, based on local traditions and research, the following possibilities have been suggested:

Akiyama Clan Theory
There is a theory that a local lord named Akiyama existed in the Uda region and controlled the area around Hongō. The Akiyama clan was a powerful family in Uda County from the Nanboku-chō period to the Sengoku period, and Hongō-Higashi Castle may have been one of their strongholds.

The Sawa Clan Theory
On the other hand, there is also a tradition that the Sawa clan used Hongō-Higashi Castle as their base. The Sawa clan was also a powerful local lord in the Uda region and is known to have possessed multiple castles and residences.

In any case, there is no doubt that Hongō-Higashi Castle was a fortress built by local forces in the Uda region for self-defense and to maintain their power during the turbulent Sengoku period.

Uda and Hongō-Higashi Castle in the Sengoku Period

During the Sengoku period, Yamato Province was in a complex political situation where powerful local lords such as the Tsutsui, Ochi, and Toichi clans vied for supremacy, and external forces like Matsunaga Hisahide also intervened. The Uda region was also affected by these conflicts, and it is thought that Hongō-Higashi Castle functioned as a strategic base.

During the Tenshō era (1573-1592), many small and medium-sized mountain castles were abandoned during the process of Oda Nobunaga’s pacification of Yamato and subsequent Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s unification of Japan. It is presumed that Hongō Higashi Castle also ceased to serve its purpose and was abandoned around this time.

Layout and Remains of Hongō Higashi Castle

Castle Structure

Hongō Higashi Castle possesses the characteristics of a typical medieval mountain castle. It skillfully utilizes the natural terrain to create a structure suitable for defense.

Main Enclosure (Honmaru)
The main enclosure, the center of the castle, is located at the highest point. A relatively flat enclosure (kuruwa) is formed here, and it is thought that the lord’s residence and command post were located here.

Secondary Enclosures
Several secondary enclosures are arranged around the main enclosure. These are presumed to have functioned as defensive positions and as garrisons for soldiers.

Earthworks
Traces of earthworks remain along the edges of the enclosures. Earthworks played an important role in preventing enemy intrusion and as a defensive wall against arrows and stones.

Moat
Moats dug to cut across ridges are important defensive structures that block enemy incursions. Several moat remains can be found at Hongō Higashi Castle.

Current State of Remains

Currently, the remains of Hongō Higashi Castle are being buried within the forest, but with careful observation, the elevation of the baileys, the rise of the earthworks, and the depressions of the moats can be seen. There are almost no stone remains such as stone walls, indicating that it was an earthen castle.

In recent years, local history research groups and castle enthusiasts have been surveying and documenting the remains, gradually revealing the overall picture of the castle.

Highlights of Hongō Higashi Castle

Historical Value

The greatest value of Hongō Higashi Castle lies in the fact that it preserves the form of a castle built by a local powerful family during the Sengoku period. Unlike large-scale early modern castles, the remains reveal the appearance of a practical mountain castle built with limited resources and labor.

Harmony with Nature

The castle ruins are surrounded by abundant nature, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of each season. The fresh greenery of spring and the vibrant autumn foliage are particularly beautiful, offering a perfect blend of historical exploration and nature observation.

Views

As is characteristic of mountain castles, the ruins offer panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. From Hongō Higashi Castle, you can enjoy a sweeping view of the Uda mountains and settlements, experiencing firsthand the perspective from which the former lords viewed their territory.

How to Access Hongō Higashi Castle

Using Public Transportation

Nearest Station: Kintetsu Osaka Line “Haibara Station”

From Haibara Station to Hongō Area:

• Take the Nara Kotsu bus bound for “Ōuda” and get off at the “Hongō” bus stop (approximately 10 minutes)

• Approximately 15 minutes on foot from the bus stop to the castle ruins trailhead

• Approximately 20-30 minutes on foot from the trailhead to the main enclosure

Using a Car

From Osaka

Approximately 20 minutes from the Nishimeihan Expressway “Hari IC” via National Route 369

From Nagoya

Approximately 20 minutes from the Meihan Expressway “Hari IC” via National Route 369

Parking

There is no dedicated parking lot, but parking may be possible in the public spaces of the Hongō settlement. Please be considerate of local residents.

Precautions When Visiting the Castle

1. Mountaineering Equipment: As it is a mountain castle, comfortable walking shoes and clothing are essential.

1. Season: In summer, the vegetation is dense, making it difficult to see the remains. Autumn to spring is recommended.

1. Safety Precautions: Avoid visiting alone; if possible, visit with multiple people.

1. Bear and Bee Precautions: As it is in a forest, consider carrying a bear bell and taking precautions against bees.

1. Prior Contact: Please observe proper etiquette, such as informing locals beforehand.

Related Historical Sites in the Surrounding Area

Hongō Nishi Castle

As a counterpart to Hongō Higashi Castle, it is believed that there was also a castle site on the west side of the Hongō settlement. Although very few remains exist today, traces can be seen in place names and other elements.

Uda Matsuyama Castle

A representative castle site of Uda City, located about 15 minutes by car from Hongō Higashi Castle. It has been selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles and can be visited in a well-maintained state. Visiting it in conjunction with other sites will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the castle history of the Uda region.

Townscape of Matsuyama District

The Matsuyama district, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, is a beautiful area that retains the townscape of the Edo period. We recommend visiting it in conjunction with a visit to Hongō Higashi Castle.

Research and Preservation Activities of Hongō Higashi Castle

Current Status of Academic Research

While full-scale archaeological excavations have not yet been conducted at Hongō Higashi Castle, surface surveys and documentary research are underway. The Uda City Board of Education and local historical research groups are leading efforts to clarify the castle’s history and structure.

Preservation Challenges

Like many mountain castle ruins, Hongō Higashi Castle faces the following preservation challenges.

• Burial of ruins due to tree growth
• Damage to ruins due to animal trails and natural erosion
• Lack of awareness of preservation due to low public awareness
• Insufficient manpower and budget for maintenance

Engagement with the local community

Local history enthusiasts and castle researchers take the lead in conducting regular grass cutting and guided tours. Through these activities, efforts are being made to reaffirm the value of the site as a local historical heritage and pass it on to future generations.

How to Enjoy Your Visit to Hongō Higashi Castle

Points to Observe the Castle Ruins

1. Layout of Enclosures: Observe the layout from the main enclosure to the secondary enclosure and interpret the defensive ingenuity.
2. Shape of Earthworks: Imagine the scale of the castle at the time based on the height and width of the remaining earthworks.
3. Depth of Moats: Confirm the depth and width of the moats that cut across the ridge.
4. Entrance (Kōguchi): Estimate the location of the castle entrance.

Feeling the Romance of History

By viewing the ruins and imagining the lives and strategies of the Sengoku period warlords who lived in this area, you can feel the romance of history.

Photography

Photographing the ruins contributes to castle research. When visiting, it is a good idea to record the overall view of the enclosures, the cross-section of the earthworks, and the shape of the moats.

Learning about the History and Culture of Uda City

Historical Background of Uda City

Uda City is a region that has flourished as a transportation hub since ancient times. It is a historically significant land, even mentioned in the *Manyoshu* (an ancient collection of Japanese poetry), and many castles were built there during the medieval period. Visiting Hongō Higashi Castle is a valuable opportunity to experience Uda’s history firsthand.

Related Historical Facilities

• Uda City History and Culture Museum: A facility where you can learn about Uda’s history
• Michi-no-Eki Udaroji Ōuda: Convenient for gathering local information
• Yakuno-yakata: Introduces Uda’s medicinal herb culture

Visiting these facilities in conjunction with Hongō Higashi Castle will allow you to understand Uda’s history and culture more deeply.

Summary

Hongō Higashi Castle is a valuable medieval mountain castle ruin remaining in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. While not a large-scale tourist destination, this historical site, which conveys the castle form of a local powerful family during the Sengoku period, is a place worth visiting for history enthusiasts and castle fans.

The ruins stand quietly amidst nature, requiring appropriate equipment and preparation for a visit. However, this allows for a reflective experience, enabling you to imagine its former glory and contemplate history at your own pace. Visiting it in conjunction with other nearby historical sites, such as Uda Matsuyama Castle and the townscape of the Matsuyama district, will allow you to experience the rich history and culture of the Uda region more deeply.

Why not spend some time reflecting on the lives of our ancestors and connecting with the local history through a visit to Hongō Higashi Castle? We hope that this valuable historical site, where you can feel the spirit of the Sengoku period, will be preserved for generations to come.