A Thorough Explanation of Nakano Castle’s History and Highlights – The Charm of Castles with the Same Name Remaining Across Japan
In the history of Japanese castles, the name “Nakano Castle” exists in multiple locations throughout the country. Each has a different historical background and characteristics, making them important historical sites that tell the story of the Sengoku period in their respective regions. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the major Nakano Castles, including their history, structure, existing remains, and a visitor’s guide.
What is Nakano Castle? – Castles with the Same Name Scattered Across Japan
Nakano Castles exist throughout Japan, each playing an important role in the history of its region. Major Nakano Castles include Nakano Castle (also known as Hino Castle) in Omi Province (Hino Town, Shiga Prefecture), a branch castle of the Saika clan in Kii Province (Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture), a mountain castle of the Akiyama clan in Kai Province (Yamanashi Prefecture), and the residence of the Nakano clan in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture.
These castles derive their names from the place name “Nakano,” and each has carved its own unique history. During the Sengoku period (Warring States period), many castles served as strategic points in the region, becoming the stage for battles against powerful warlords such as Oda Nobunaga.
Nakano Castle (Hino Castle) – The Gamo Clan’s Residence
History and Background of Construction
Nakano Castle, located in Hino-cho, Gamo-gun, Shiga Prefecture, is officially called Hino Castle, but has long been known locally as Nakano Castle. This castle was the last main castle of the Gamo family, who ruled Hino as lords for approximately 400 years from the early Kamakura period, with a domain of 60,000 koku.
In 1523 (Daiei 3), following the abandonment of Otowa Castle, Gamo Sadahide built a new castle on the then-undeveloped land of Nakano. During its construction, the existing Hino town area was utilized as a castle town, and urban planning was implemented to designate the area around Nishioji, where the castle is located, as a samurai residential zone, while the town center of Hino was designated as a merchant residential zone.
Birthplace of Gamo Ujisato
Nakano Castle is particularly famous as the birthplace of Gamo Ujisato, a renowned general who later became a powerful daimyo of Aizu with a domain of 920,000 koku. Ujisato grew up in this castle from a young age, became the son-in-law of Oda Nobunaga, and became one of the leading warlords of the Sengoku period.
In 1584 (Tensho 12), Gamo Ujisato was transferred to Matsusaka in Ise Province. Afterward, Tanaka Yoshimasa and Nagatsuka Masaie served as castle lords. It functioned as an important base in Omi Province for approximately 80 years until its abandonment in 1603 (Keicho 8).
Relationship with Oda Nobunaga
When Oda Nobunaga was killed at Honnoji Temple due to Akechi Mitsuhide’s rebellion, Nobunaga’s wife and children took refuge at Hino Castle. This fact speaks to the deep trust between the Gamo clan and the Oda family.
Castle Structure and Scale
Nakano Castle was a castle complex approximately 100 meters square, built on a terrace overlooking the former Hino River, surrounded by a large moat and earthen ramparts. To the north, there was a samurai residential area measuring approximately 870m east-west and 640m north-south, believed to have housed retainers, enclosed by a moat and earthen ramparts. Further west, a town of merchant houses was developed, forming a planned castle town.
Existing Remains
Currently, the area north of the castle is residential land, and the south side is occupied by the Hino River Dam, leaving only a portion of the main enclosure’s earthen ramparts and dry moat. However, these remains allow us to estimate the scale of the castle at the time.
Access Information
The castle is located approximately 4.5km east of Hino Station on the Omi Railway. While it is accessible on foot from the station, visiting by car is more convenient. Parking is available around the castle ruins, and the location is easily identifiable on maps.
Nakano Castle, Kii Province – A Frontline Base for the Saika Clan
The Saika Clan and Nakano Castle
Nakano Castle, located in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, played an important role as a branch castle of the Saika clan. Built at a strategic point where the roads of the Kōshi Pass and Ōkawa Pass intersected, it was a strategic base protecting the entrance to Kii Province.
Oda Nobunaga’s Conquest of Kii Province
In 1577, during Oda Nobunaga’s attack on Saika (the First Conquest of Kii Province), Nakano Castle became a frontline base to confront the Oda forces. However, it fell to the overwhelmingly superior Oda army, and Oda Nobutada established his headquarters there. This battle was part of a long conflict between Oda Nobunaga and the Honganji forces, and Nakano Castle played a crucial role in it.
Current Remains
An information board is located south of the current Kishi Minami Elementary School, between it and the supermarket. The stone wall beneath the fence of a nearby private house is said to be a remnant of the castle. While only a few traces of the Sengoku period remain, it is a valuable historical site that conveys the history of the region.
Visitor Guide
Easily accessible from Wakayama city center, with an information board within walking distance. Though small, it is an important spot for learning about the history of the Saika-shu.
Kai Nakano Castle – A Mountain Castle of the Akiyama Clan
Castle of the Kai Genji Akiyama Clan
Nakano Castle, located in Yamanashi Prefecture, was a mountain castle built on Shiroyama Mountain at an altitude of 1020.6m. Known as the castle of the Akiyama clan, descendants of the Kai Genji, Akiyama Taro Mitsutomo is said to have married the daughter of Taira no Shigemori.
Tragedy of the Kamakura Period
It is said that, on the orders of Minamoto no Yoritomo, who resented Akiyama Mitsutomo’s presence, the castle was attacked by Kamakura forces, and Mitsutomo committed suicide at Nakano Castle. This castle is also known as Amanari Castle, and its details, including those of the Amanari Castle located to the southeast, are not fully understood.
Castle Structure
Nakano Castle is located on the summit of Shiroyama Mountain, and Amanari Castle is located on the southeastern slope. Currently, a hiking trail is maintained, making it a popular spot for mountain castle enthusiasts. However, due to numerous landslides, caution is necessary when visiting.
Hiking and Visiting
As this is a mountain castle at an altitude of over 1000m, proper hiking equipment is recommended. While the hiking trail is maintained, visiting the remains requires time and physical stamina.
Nakano Castle, Mie Prefecture – A Strategic Point in Northern Ise
Akahori and Asakura Clans
Nakano Castle, located in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture, is said to have been built during the Muromachi period by Akahori Fujitaro, who adopted the name Nakano and made it his residence. Another theory suggests it was built by Asakura Bichu-no-kami Akimasa, and there are multiple legends regarding the builder.
Oda Nobunaga’s Invasion of Northern Ise
In 1568 (Eiroku 11), during Oda Nobunaga’s invasion of northern Ise, Hoho-Nishi Castle and others fell. During this period, Oda Nobunaga was expanding his power toward unifying Japan, and various castles in northern Ise fell under the control of the Oda army one after another.
Amagasu Family Residence
Currently, the residence of the Amagasu family, a wealthy landowner built during the Edo period, exists on the castle site. Earthen ramparts can be seen around the castle as remnants. It is a valuable historical site where Edo period architecture and Sengoku period remains coexist.
Nakano Castle, Ueno – A Castle of the Nitta Clan
Construction by Nakano Kagetsugu
Nakano Castle, located in Oura-cho, Oura-gun, Gunma Prefecture, was built in 1265 (Bun’ei 2) by Nakano Kagetsugu, a member of the Nitta clan. Built in the mid-Kamakura period, this castle was an important fortress indicating the sphere of influence of the Nitta clan.
Relationship with the Battle of Fujishima
It is said that Nakano Tōnaizaemon, son of Kagetsugu, participated in the Battle of Fujishima in Echizen Province in 1338. This period was the Nanboku-chō period, and the Nitta clan was active on the side of the Southern Court.
Nakano Castle, Shimōsa – Residence of the Sakai Clan
Castle of Sakai Sadataka
Nakano Castle, located in Wakaba Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture, is said to have been built by Sakai Sadataka, but many details about the castle remain unknown. There are various theories regarding Sadataka’s ancestry, including Fujiwara, Chiba, and Toki clans, and it is unclear which is correct.
Relationship with the Hara Clan
The Kazusa Sakai clan was a guest general of the Hara clan at the time, and attacked the Hatakeyama clan of Toke Castle in 1487. The following year, after moving to Toke Castle, Sadataka grew into a Sengoku period warlord. He invited Nichitai Shonin from Honkoji Temple in Hamano, founded Honjuji Temple, and governed his territory under the Nichiren sect.
Historical Significance of Nakano Castle
Role in the Sengoku Period
Nakano Castles in various regions functioned as important military bases during the Sengoku period in their respective areas. In Oda Nobunaga’s unification of Japan, Nakano Castle in Kii Province and Nakano Castle in Mie Prefecture were targeted for conquest, playing a crucial role at a turning point in history.
Characteristics of Castle Structure
A diverse range of castle forms can be seen, from flatland castles to mountain castles, depending on the location. From castles with planned castle towns, like Nakano Castle in Omi Province, to steep mountain castles, like Nakano Castle in Kai Province, it demonstrates the diversity of castle-building techniques and strategic thinking.
Relationship with Local Communities
Nakano Castle was not merely a military facility, but functioned as the center of local communities. In particular, at Nakano Castle in Omi Province, urban planning was implemented that clearly separated the samurai residence area from the merchant residence area, greatly contributing to the development of the castle town.
Nakano Castle in Modern Times
Preservation as a Cultural Property
Currently, Nakano Castle ruins in various locations are being preserved as important cultural properties of their respective regions. While the scale of the remains varies, all are recognized as valuable historical sites that convey the history of the region.
Utilization as a Tourism Resource
In particular, the Nakano Castle ruins in Hino Town, Shiga Prefecture, are being developed as a tourist resource due to their connection to Gamo Ujisato. The installation of information boards and the maintenance of the remains are creating an environment that is easily accessible not only to history enthusiasts but also to general tourists.
Educational Value
The history of Nakano Castle is also being utilized in local school education. It plays an important role as teaching material for learning local history and as a resource for fostering local pride.
Practical Guide to Visiting Nakano Castle
Access to Omi Nakano Castle (Hino Castle)
By Train
- Get off at Hino Station on the Omi Railway, approximately 60 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by car
- Rental bicycles are available in front of the station
By Car
- Approximately 20 minutes from Yokaichi IC on the Meishin Expressway
- Parking is available around the castle ruins
Opening Hours and Fees
- Open for viewing (visitable year-round)
- Free admission
Access to Kii Nakano Castle
By Train and Bus
- Take a bus from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayamashi Station
- Get off near Kishi Minami Elementary School, a few minutes on foot
Points to Note During Your Visit
- Check the location of the information boards on the map beforehand
- Please be mindful of visiting etiquette as the remains are used as walls for private houses
Access to Kai Nakano Castle
Access to the Trailhead
- Access by car is the primary method
- Parking available at the trailhead
Precautions for Hiking
- A full-fledged mountain castle at an altitude of over 1000m
- Hiking equipment is essential
- Be extremely careful of your footing as there are areas prone to collapse
- Estimated time: Approximately 3-4 hours round trip
Precautions for Visiting
- Protection of Remains: Be careful not to touch the earthworks or stone walls
- Private Property: Part of the site is private property; please observe the restricted areas
- Safety Assurance: Be careful of falls at the mountain castle and avoid going alone
- Manners: Please be considerate of noise at the castle ruins adjacent to residential areas
Related Historical Sites in the Surrounding Area
Around Omi Nakano Castle
- Hino Town Omi Hino Merchant Museum: A facility where you can learn about the history of the Gamo clan and Hino merchants
- Otowa Castle Ruins: The former castle of the Gamo clan
- Hino River Dam: A dam where part of the castle ruins is submerged
Around Nakano Castle in Kii Province
- Saika Castle Ruins: The base of the Saika clan
- Negoro-ji Temple: An important temple in Kishu Province
Other Historical Sites Related to the Gamo Clan
- Matsusaka Castle (Mie Prefecture): Built by Gamo Ujisato
- Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle (Fukushima Prefecture): Underwent major renovations by Ujisato
Current Status and Challenges of Nakano Castle Research
Results of Archaeological Excavations
In recent years, archaeological excavations have been conducted at various Nakano Castle sites, yielding new insights. In particular, the detailed structure of the moats and earthworks at Nakano Castle in Omi Province is gradually becoming clear.
Progress in Historical Document Research
Research into ancient documents and maps is gradually revealing the structure of the castle and the appearance of the castle town. Historical materials related to the Gamo clan are especially abundant and serve as a valuable source of information for understanding the reality of castles and castle towns during the Sengoku period.
Future Challenges
Many challenges remain, including balancing the preservation and utilization of the ruins, coordinating with development, and balancing tourism and academic research. It is necessary for local residents, researchers, and the government to cooperate in exploring sustainable preservation and utilization strategies.
Summary
The name “Nakano Castle” exists in various locations throughout Japan, each with its own unique history and characteristics. The Nakano Castle in Omi Province, as the birthplace of Gamo Ujisato, and the Nakano Castle in Kii Province, as the stage for Oda Nobunaga’s conquest of Kishu, both played important historical roles.
While the remaining ruins are limited, these castle sites are valuable cultural assets that convey the history of the region. When visiting, gathering information beforehand and being mindful of appropriate equipment and manners will allow you to experience history more deeply.
Why not visit the Nakano Castle ruins, where you can feel the spirit of the Sengoku period, and reflect on the era in which historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga and Gamo Ujisato were active? Access to each castle site is relatively easy, making it possible to enjoy historical site tours not only for history enthusiasts but also for families.
