Hojo Jinya Ruins (Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture) Complete Guide: A Thorough Explanation of the History and Current Location of the Awa Hojo Domain
The Hojo Jinya Ruins, located in Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture, are a historical site that functioned as the administrative center of the Awa Hojo Domain, which lasted from the early Edo period to the end of the Edo period. Currently, it is a government district with the Tateyama Fire Station, Hojo Hospital, and Tateyama Police Station, and no remains of the original structure remain. However, it played an important role as the political and administrative center of the Awa region during the early modern period.
This article comprehensively explains information about this historical site, from its origins to its history until the abolition of the domain, its structure and scale, its current state, and how to access it.
What are the Hojo Jinya Ruins?: Basic Information
The Hojo Jinya Ruins are the remains of an Edo period encampment located in Hojo, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture. An encampment refers to a simple facility that served as both a residence and administrative office, built by small domains with a stipend of 10,000 koku or less, or by hatamoto (direct retainers of the shogun), and lacked the defensive structures of a castle.
Location: Hojo, Tateyama City, Chiba Prefecture (near the current Tateyama Fire Station, Hojo Hospital, and Tateyama Police Station)
Year of Construction: Kan’ei 15 (1638)
Builder: Yashiro Tadamasa
Type: Jinya (fortified residence)
Designated Cultural Property: Not designated
Remains: None (currently a government office district)
The Hojo Jinya was built in Kan’ei 15 (1638) as the administrative center of the Hojo Domain, which ruled over 10,000 koku in Awa Province. It is believed that Hojo Castle stood on this site during the medieval period, and the place name “Jōno-koshi” (Castle’s Waist) remains to the north, suggesting that it was an important location from ancient times.
Establishment of the Hojo Domain: Yashiro Tadamasa and Suruga Dainagon Tokugawa Tadanaga
Establishment of the Domain by Yashiro Tadamasa
The history of the Hojo Domain begins in February of Kan’ei 15 (1638), when Yashiro Tadamasa was granted 10,000 koku in Awa Province. Yashiro Tadamasa served as a chief retainer (tsukegarō) to Tokugawa Tadanaga, the second son of the second shogun, Tokugawa Hidetada, and the Grand Councillor of Suruga Province.
A chief retainer (tsukegarō) was a retainer attached to a daimyo (feudal lord), holding a unique position of assisting his lord while also possessing an independent territory. However, in 1632, Tokugawa Tadanaga was dismissed from his position (his territory confiscated) due to misconduct and was forced to commit suicide the following year. This incident put Yashiro Tadamasa, who had served Tadanaga, in a critical situation for a time, but he was eventually pardoned and granted a new domain of 10,000 koku in Awa Province, establishing the Hojo Domain.
Reasons for Choosing Hojo
Several factors can be considered as reasons why Yashiro Tadamasa established his base in Hojo.
- Transportation Point: Hojo was located in the center of Awa Province, and access to Edo was relatively good.
- Existing Castle Remains: There was a possibility of utilizing the ruins of the medieval Hojo Castle.
- Securing Flat Land: Flat land was secured for developing the jinya (fortified residence) and town.
- Access to the Port: It was close to Tateyama Bay, making maritime transport convenient.
A jinya was built in Nakamachi, Hojo (the area from the current Tateyama Fire Station to the Tateyama Police Station), and samurai residences and merchant districts were developed around it.
History of the Hojo Domain: Changes in Lords and the Mankoku Rebellion
The Era of the Yashiro Clan (1638-1648)
The first lord, Yashiro Tadamasa, developed the jinya and laid the foundation for the domain’s administration, but his term in office was short, lasting only about 10 years. In 1648 (Kanei 25), the Yashiro clan was transferred to Sarashina District, Shinano Province (present-day Nagano Prefecture), leaving the Hojo domain.
The Mizuno Clan Era (1648-1679)
The Mizuno clan succeeded the Yashiro clan as the rulers of the Hojo domain. The Mizuno clan was a prestigious family known as the family of Oda-no-kata, the mother of Tokugawa Ieyasu. They held a fiefdom of 10,000 koku and established the Hojo Jinya (domain office) as their domain’s administrative center.
The Mizuno clan’s rule lasted for approximately 30 years, but in 1679 (Enpo 7), they were transferred to Dewa Province (present-day Yamagata Prefecture).
The Inagaki Clan Era (1679-1723)
After the Mizuno clan, the Inagaki clan took over the domain, holding a fiefdom of 10,000 koku. The Inagaki clan’s rule lasted for approximately 44 years, representing a relatively long period of rule within the history of the Hojo domain.
In 1723 (Kyoho 8), the Inagaki clan was transferred to Shimosa Province (present-day northern Chiba Prefecture).
The Ishikawa Clan and the Mankoku Rebellion (1723-1825)
The Ishikawa clan succeeded the Inagaki clan. The Ishikawa clan ruled for approximately 102 years, the longest period of rule in the history of the Hojo domain.
However, during the Ishikawa clan’s reign, a major incident known as the “Mankoku Rebellion” occurred. This rebellion involved the domain’s people, suffering from financial difficulties and heavy taxes, directly appealing to the shogunate, demonstrating the turmoil in the domain’s administration.
In 1825 (Bunsei 8), the Ishikawa clan was dispossessed of their territory, and the Hojo domain temporarily became a direct territory of the shogunate. The background to this dispossession is believed to be the conflict with the people caused by the Mankoku Rebellion and the domain’s misgovernment.
The Endo Clan Era (1861-1868)
After the Ishikawa clan’s downfall, the Hojo region was long under the direct control of the shogunate. However, in 1861 (Bunkyu 1), it became an exclave of the Endo clan in Mikami, Omi Province (present-day Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture), and a jinya (fortified residence) was re-established.
An exclave is a territory located far from the main domain. The Endo clan, while based in Omi Province, also maintained a jinya in Hojo, Awa Province, and governed from there.
The Honda Clan Era and the Abolition of the Domain (1868-1871)
In 1868 (Meiji 1), the Honda clan replaced the Endo clan, establishing the Nagao Domain. However, this period was already a time of centralization under the Meiji government, following the collapse of the Edo shogunate.
With the abolition of the feudal domains in 1871 (Meiji 4), the Nagao Domain (formerly the Hojo Domain) was abolished, bringing to an end the approximately 230-year history of the Hojo Jinya (fortified residence). The residence was dismantled, and the site was repurposed for government offices and other uses.
Structure and Size of the Hojo Jinya
Layout of the Jinya
The Hojo Jinya was built in the area encompassing the present-day Tateyama Fire Station, Hojo Hospital, and Tateyama Police Station. While detailed records of its exact size and layout are lacking, it is presumed to have had a structure similar to that of a typical 10,000-koku (unit of rice production) Jinya.
Estimated Major Facilities:
- Omote-Goten (Official office space of the feudal lord)
- Oku-Goten (Private living space of the feudal lord)
- Yakusho (Building where the domain’s administration was managed)
- Nagaya (Living facilities for retainers)
- Kura (Rice storehouse, armory, etc.)
- Gate (Front gate, back gate, etc.)
Surrounding Layout
To the northwest of the Jinya (fortified residence) is the Shinmei Shrine, the guardian shrine of Hojo Village, which still remains today. A road called “Kancho-dori” (Government Office Street) runs between the Jinya and the Shinmei Shrine, and it is presumed that the Jinya was constructed along this road.
Samurai residences were located around the Jinya, and a merchant district was formed further outside. The town of Hojo developed around the Jinya and prospered as the political and economic center of the Awa region.
Defensive Facilities
Unlike castles, the Jinya is thought to have lacked full-fledged defensive facilities. There were no stone walls or castle towers, and the moats and earthworks were likely simple. This is because, in the peaceful Edo period, administrative functions were prioritized over defense.
However, it’s possible that some remnants of the medieval Hojo Castle were utilized, and the advantageous topography may have been taken advantage of.
Current Hojo Jinya Site: Highlights and Visitor Guide
Current Situation
The Hojo Jinya site is now the government district of Tateyama City, and no remains of the original structure are left. The following facilities stand on the former site:
- Tateyama Fire Station
- Hojo Hospital
- Tateyama Police Station
Amidst these modern buildings, there are no signs or monuments indicating the former domain office, making it difficult to feel the historical atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions
When visiting the Hojo Jinya site, we recommend also visiting nearby historical spots.
Shinmei Shrine
The guardian shrine of Hojo Village, located northwest of the Hojo Jinya (fortified residence). This shrine has existed since the Edo period and is thought to have had a deep connection to the Hojo Jinya.
Jonokoshi District
A place name remaining north of the Jinya, potentially related to the medieval Hojo Castle. The place name allows us to imagine what it was like at the time.
Tateyama Castle (Tateyama City Museum)
A castle located in Tateyama City, now open to the public as a museum. It offers a chance to learn about the history of the Awa region and helps in understanding the historical context of the Hojo Jinya.
Around Tateyama Station
Tateyama Station, which opened during the Meiji era, symbolizes the development of the former Hojo town. Historical buildings and shopping streets remain around the station.
Points to Note When Visiting
Since no remains of the Hojo Jinya site exist, historical points of interest are limited. Please note the following points when visiting.
- No Signposts: There are no signs or explanatory boards indicating the historical site, so you need to confirm the location beforehand.
- Government Facilities: Currently, there is a fire station, hospital, and police station on the site, so consideration is needed to avoid disrupting their operations.
- Photography: Consideration is needed when photographing public facilities.
- Parking: There is no dedicated parking lot, so using public transportation is recommended.
Access Information
Access by Public Transportation
Train
- Get off at Tateyama Station on the JR Uchibo Line, approximately 10 minutes on foot.
- From the east exit of Tateyama Station, head towards Hojo and proceed along Kancho-dori Street to reach the area around the Hojo Jinya ruins.
Bus
- JR Bus Kanto and Nitto Kotsu route buses operate from Tateyama Station to various destinations.
- Get off at the “Hojo” bus stop.
Access by Car
Via Expressway
- From Tokyo: Via Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line, exit at Futtsu-Tateyama Expressway “Tomiura IC,” then head south on National Route 127 for approximately 15 minutes.
- From Chiba City: Via Keiyo Expressway and Tateyama Expressway, exit at Futtsu-Tateyama Expressway “Tomiura IC,” then proceed as above.
Parking
- No dedicated parking available.
- Please use public parking lots or paid parking lots in Tateyama City.
- Coin parking is available around Tateyama Station.
Estimated Travel Time
- From Tokyo: Approximately 2 hours by car, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by train.
- From Chiba City: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car, approximately 2 hours by train.
- From Kisarazu: Approximately 50 minutes by car.
Hojo Jinya Ruins and the History of the Awa Region
Characteristics of Awa Province
Awa Province (Awa no kuni) is the former name of the province corresponding to the southern part of present-day Chiba Prefecture. Located at the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula, this region enjoyed a mild climate and abundant seafood.
During the Edo period, Awa Province had a complex territorial structure, consisting of several smaller domains and shogunate territories, including the Tateyama Domain (Hojo Domain), the Inaba Domain, the Katsuyama Domain, and the Tsurugaya Jinya (fortified residence).
Development of Hojo Town
Hojo became the political center of the Awa region due to the establishment of its Jinya (fortified residence). In the Meiji era, a county office was established, and in the Taisho era, a railway station (the current Tateyama Station) opened, making it a pioneering town in modernization.
In 1939 (Showa 14), Hojo Town and surrounding villages merged to form Tateyama City, which remains to this day. The name Hojo still exists as a district name within Tateyama City.
Differences from the Hojo Clan Residence Site (Enjoji Temple Site)
While there is a nationally designated historical site in Chiba Prefecture called the “Hojo Clan Residence Site (Enjoji Temple Site),” this is a completely different historical site from the Hojo Jinya Site.
The Hojo Clan Residence Site (Enjoji Temple Site) is a ruin related to the Hojo clan, who were regents during the Kamakura period, and is located in a different place within Chiba Prefecture. Although the names are similar and they are sometimes confused, it is important to note that they are historical sites of different eras and characteristics.
Other Jinya Sites in Chiba Prefecture
Besides the Hojo Jinya, there are several other Edo period jinya sites in Chiba Prefecture.
Tsurugaya Jinya (Ichihara City)
This jinya was located in Tsurumai, Ichihara City, and functioned as a residence for a hatamoto (direct retainer of the shogun). While very few remains exist, the name Tsurumai remains as a place name.
Sanuki Jinya (Futtsu City)
This jinya was located in Sanuki, Futtsu City, and was used as the administrative office of the Sanuki Domain. Currently, Sanuki Elementary School and other buildings stand on the site, and some traces of the earthworks are said to remain.
Omi Jinya (Chiba City)
This jinya (fortified residence) was located in Omi-cho, Chuo-ku, Chiba City, and was ruled by the Morikawa clan. Although it is now a residential area, a stone monument marking the site of the jinya stands there.
By visiting these jinya sites, one can gain a deeper understanding of the administrative system and regional history of Chiba Prefecture (Shimosa, Kazusa, and Awa Provinces) during the Edo period.
Historical Significance of the Hojo Jinya Site
Political Center in the Awa Region
The Hojo Jinya functioned as the political and administrative center of northern Awa Province for approximately 230 years, from 1638 (Kanei 15) to 1871 (Meiji 4). Despite being a small domain, it played an important role under the shogunate system, including maintaining local security, collecting taxes, and managing civil administration.
Frequent Changes in Lords
One of the characteristics of the Hojo Domain was the frequent changes in its lords. Over its approximately 230-year history, six families—the Yashiro, Mizuno, Inagaki, Ishikawa, Endo, and Honda—served as lords.
This frequent change reflects the instability inherent in a small domain and also indicates that transfers were carried out as part of the Edo Shogunate’s control over daimyo (feudal lords).
The Mankoku Uprising and the Resistance of the People
The Mankoku Uprising, which occurred during the Ishikawa clan’s rule, is an important example of a peasant movement in the Edo period. The people, suffering from heavy taxes and misgovernment, directly appealed to the Shogunate, an act that was life-threatening at the time.
This uprising ultimately resulted in the Ishikawa clan’s downfall, and it holds historical significance as an example of how the will of the people influenced domain administration.
Bridging the Gap to Modernization
After the Meiji Restoration, the Hojo area developed into the central part of Tateyama City. The fact that the Hojo Jinya (fortified residence) site became a government district indicates a continuous transition from the political center of the Edo period to the center of modern administration.
Things to Know Before Visiting the Hojo Jinya Site
Recommended Prior Study
Since no remains of the Hojo Jinya site exist, studying its history beforehand will allow for a deeper understanding of the historical site.
Recommended Study Methods:
- Learn about the history of the Awa region at the Tateyama City Museum
- Research materials related to the Hojo clan at your local library
- Search for the history of the Hojo Jinya on the internet
- Read books about castles and fortified residences
Combining with Other Sightseeing
Since visiting the Hojo Jinya site alone limits your visiting time, we recommend combining it with other sightseeing spots in Tateyama City.
Recommended Sightseeing Course:
- Morning: Visit Tateyama Castle (Tateyama City Museum)
- Lunch: Seafood cuisine in Tateyama City
- Afternoon: Stroll around the Hojo Jinya Ruins and visit Shinmei Shrine
- Evening: Watch the sunset over Tateyama Bay
Best Season
Since the Hojo Jinya Ruins are an outdoor historical site (no remains exist), it is recommended to visit during pleasant weather.
Spring (March-May): Warm and pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing.
Summer (June-August): Suitable for sightseeing combined with swimming, but heat precautions are necessary.
Autumn (September-November): Stable weather, ideal for strolling.
Winter (December-February): Relatively pleasant weather due to the mild climate of southern Boso, but windy days are possible.
Summary: The Contemporary Significance of the Hojo Jinya Ruins
The Hojo Jinya Ruins are a historical site with no remaining structures, and at first glance, they may seem to have little value. However, the historical fact that this place functioned as the political center of the Awa region for approximately 230 years and influenced the lives of many people cannot be disregarded.
The current appearance of the government district demonstrates that the administrative functions of the Edo-period Jinya have been passed down to the present day, albeit in a modified form. The Hojo Jinya Ruins quietly remind us that history is not merely a past event, but is continuous with our present lives.
When you visit Tateyama City, be sure to stop by the site of the Hojo Jinya (fortified residence) and feel the weight of history that lies unseen. Because there are no remaining structures, you can use your imagination to picture the Edo period landscape in your mind. Perhaps that is one of the greatest pleasures of visiting historical sites.
The story of the Hojo Domain, a small domain in Awa Province, and its administrative center, the Hojo Jinya, is a valuable historical legacy that conveys a facet of local governance in early modern Japan.
