Tsuruga Castle (Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture) Complete Guide: History and Highlights of a Mountain Castle from the Nanboku-cho Period
Tsuruga Castle, located in Higashi, Ryujin-mura, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a medieval mountain castle built in the mountainous region of Kii Province. Also known as “Zoga Castle,” this castle is deeply etched in the history of the region as an important base in Kii Province during the turbulent Nanboku-cho period. Built on a mountaintop approximately 520 meters above sea level, the castle functioned as a defensive structure, taking advantage of its rugged location with a relative elevation difference of approximately 200 meters.
This article will provide a detailed explanation of this valuable historical site, from its historical background to the remaining structures and access methods.
Basic Information on Tsuruga Castle
Tsuruga Castle is a mountain castle located in Higashi, Ryujin-mura, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, and is a designated historical site of Tanabe City. Located in the mountainous region of Kii Province, in the present-day Ryujin area, this castle is a valuable historical site that conveys the characteristics of medieval castle architecture.
Location and Geographical Characteristics
- Location: Higashi, Ryujin-mura, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture
- Former Province: Kii Province
- Elevation: Approximately 520 meters
- Relative Height: Approximately 200 meters
- Castle Classification: Mountain Castle
- Designated Cultural Property: Tanabe City Designated Historic Site
Tsuruga Castle is located in the eastern part of Ryujin-mura, in a rugged mountainous area. This location exhibits typical characteristics of a medieval mountain castle that emphasized military defense, allowing for wide-area surveillance from its elevated position overlooking the surrounding area. It is quite far from the city center of Tanabe, indicating its role as a defensive base in the mountainous region of Kii Province at the time.
Common Names and Alternate Names
Tsuruga Castle is also known by the alternative name “Masuga Castle.” There are various theories about the origin of this name, but it is thought to be related to the people involved in its construction or the place name. In some regions, it is often called Masuga Castle, and both names are recorded in historical documents.
History: From the Nanboku-cho Period to the Present
Castle Construction and the Nanboku-cho Period
Tsuruga Castle was built during the Nanboku-cho period by Tamaki Naotora (Shimotsuke-no-kami). The Nanboku-cho period (1336-1392) was a turbulent era following the collapse of Emperor Go-Daigo’s Kenmu Restoration, characterized by conflict between the Southern Court (Yoshino Court) and the Northern Court (Kyoto Court).
Kii Province was an important base for the Southern Court, and with the Southern Court’s court located in Yoshino, the entire Kii Peninsula was under the influence of the Southern Court. Tamaki Naotora’s construction of Tsuruga Castle had clear military objectives: maintaining the Southern Court’s influence in the region and defending against invasions from the Northern Court.
The Tamaki Clan and Kii Province
The Tamaki clan was a powerful local lord in Kii Province and acted on the Southern Court’s side during the Nanboku-cho period. Tamaki Naotora (Shimotsuke-no-kami) is recorded as an important figure within this family. The area around Ryujin Village is a mountainous region, making it a crucial rear base for the Southern Court, allowing them to avoid pursuit by the Northern Court and preserve their strength.
The construction of Tsuruga Castle is thought to have been planned not merely as the construction of a single castle, but as part of the Southern Court’s defense network in Kii Province. Several other mountain castles existed in the surrounding area, coordinating with each other to defend the region.
Changes after the Sengoku Period
Detailed records are limited regarding the role Tsuruga Castle played after the unification of the Northern and Southern Courts (1392). During the Sengoku period, Kii Province was a complex mix of powers, including the Hatakeyama clan and Negoro-ji Temple. The power dynamics of Kii Province drastically changed after Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s conquest of Kii (1585).
In the Edo period, the Kishu Tokugawa family came to rule Kii Province, and many medieval mountain castles were abandoned. It is presumed that Tsuruga Castle also lost its function as a military facility and was abandoned around this time. Since the Meiji era, its existence has been passed down through generations by local people, and today it is protected as a valuable historical heritage site.
Castle Structure and Remains
Layout and Defensive Facilities
Tsuruga Castle has the structure of a typical medieval mountain castle. The main remains that can be confirmed today include the following:
Kuruwa (enclosure): A flat area at the center of the castle, used for buildings and soldier encampments. Multiple kuruwa have been confirmed at Tsuruga Castle, arranged in stages around the main enclosure.
Horikiri (ditch): A moat dug to cut across a ridge, an important defensive facility to prevent enemy intrusion. As a defensive feature unique to mountain castles, Tsuruga Castle also had multiple horikiri.
Dorui (earthen rampart): A defensive wall made by piling up earth, arranged to surround the kuruwa.
Characteristics as a Mountain Castle
The location of Tsuruga Castle, at an altitude of 520 meters and a relative height of 200 meters, indicates that it was a mountain castle built purely for military purposes. While inconvenient for peacetime residence, it offered the following advantages during wartime:
- Surveillance from High Place: The surrounding mountains and valleys could be overlooked, allowing for early detection of enemy movements.
- Natural Fortress: The rugged terrain itself served as a defensive structure, making attacks by large armies difficult.
- Securing Water Sources: Securing water was a challenge for mountain castles, but it is believed that facilities for collecting spring water and rainwater were provided.
Current Preservation Status
Although no buildings or other structures remain of Tsuruga Castle, the topographical features such as baileys and moats are relatively well preserved. It is protected as a designated historical site by Tanabe City, and research continues by local history enthusiasts and castle researchers.
According to photographic records, 58 photographs have been taken, providing valuable information about the castle’s current state. Although some areas are covered with trees, sufficient clues remain to understand the structure of a medieval mountain castle, such as the arrangement of baileys and the shape of moats.
Access and Visiting Information
Location Details
Tsuruga Castle is located in Higashi, Ryujin Village, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture. Ryujin Village merged with Tanabe City in 2005, but it still maintains its own unique culture and history as the Ryujin region.
Access Methods
Access by Car:
- From the Hanwa Expressway “Nanki Tanabe IC,” take National Route 424 (Ryujin Kaido) towards Ryujin.
- Travel Time: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours from Tanabe city center.
- Further mountain roads are required from the center of Ryujin village.
Public Transportation:
- From JR Kisei Main Line “Kii Tanabe Station,” take the Ryujin Bus towards Ryujin.
- From the bus stop, the approach is on foot, but it is a considerable distance and elevation change.
Precautions When Climbing the Castle
Tsuruga Castle is a full-fledged mountain castle, and the following preparations and precautions are necessary for climbing:
- Clothing and Equipment: Appropriate clothing and shoes for mountain climbing are essential. Non-slip trekking shoes are recommended.
- Physical Fitness: As the climb involves an elevation gain of 200 meters, a certain level of physical fitness is required.
- Time: Allow approximately 2 to 3 hours for the round trip.
- Season: In summer, be mindful of the heat and insects; in winter, be aware of snow and ice.
- Avoid Solo Travel: It is recommended to visit the castle in groups whenever possible.
- Gather Information Beforehand: Please check the latest information with the local tourism association or the Tanabe City Board of Education.
Surrounding Castles and Historical Sites
Tanabe City Castle Network
Many castles exist around Tsuruga Castle, telling the story of the Kii Province’s history from the medieval to early modern periods:
Tanabe Castle (Kinshui Castle): A flatland castle located in the city of Tanabe, it functioned as a branch castle of the Kishu Domain during the Edo period. Currently, remains such as water gates remain, making it a historical site easily accessible from the city center.
Mineyama Castle: Located approximately 3.4 kilometers from Tsuruga Castle, it is also a medieval mountain castle.
Kinugasa Castle: Located approximately 5.4 kilometers from Tsuruga Castle, it was part of the regional defense network.
Ryumatsuyama Castle: Located in Nishimuro District, approximately 8.9 kilometers from Tsuruga Castle.
These castles are thought to have worked in conjunction with each other to form a defensive system in the mountainous region of Kii Province.
History and Culture of the Ryujin Region
Ryujin Village has long been known for its forestry and hot springs. Ryujin Onsen is known as one of Japan’s three most beautiful hot springs and was historically an important therapeutic resort. Along with visiting Tsuruga Castle, you can experience the rich nature and culture of this region.
Ryujin Onsen: A hot spring resort known for its skin-beautifying effects, perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating.
Gomadanzan Mountain: Known as a sacred site in the Kii Mountains, surrounded by abundant nature.
History of Forestry: The Ryujin region is known for producing high-quality timber, and you can learn about the history of forestry here.
Historical Background of Tanabe City
Tanabe’s Position in Kii Province
Tanabe City has played an important role since ancient times as the central city of the southern part of the Kii Peninsula. It was a transportation hub through which the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage pilgrimage passed, and many people traveled along the route to the Kumano Sanzan shrines.
Ancient and Medieval Periods: It developed as a center of Kumano faith and was under the influence of the Kumano Betto (chief priest of Kumano).
Sengoku Period: It became an important strategic base in the complex power structure of Kii Province.
Edo Period: Under the rule of the Kishu Tokugawa family, it developed as a castle town centered around Tanabe Castle.
Meiji Era and Beyond: Amidst the wave of modernization, it continues to grow as the administrative and economic center of the Kinan region.
Minakata Kumagusu and Ueshiba Morihei
Tanabe City is also known as the birthplace of the world-renowned naturalist Minakata Kumagusu and the founder of Aikido, Ueshiba Morihei. The tombs of both individuals are located at Kōzan-ji Temple and are designated as a cultural heritage site of Tanabe City.
Value and Preservation Activities of Tsuruga Castle
Historical Value
Tsuruga Castle possesses high historical value in the following respects:
- Remains from the Nanboku-chō Period: As a mountain castle from the Nanboku-chō period, it conveys the castle-building techniques and strategies of that time.
- Witness to Local History: It is a valuable historical site that tells the story of medieval history in the mountainous region of Kii Province.
- Material for Castle Research: It is an important case study for researching the structure of medieval mountain castles.
Preservation and Utilization
Tanabe City is working on the preservation and utilization of historical heritage sites within the city, including Tsuruga Castle. In addition to its protection as a city-designated historical site, the following activities are being carried out:
- Regular surveys and record-keeping
- Tours organized by local history enthusiasts
- Academic research by castle researchers
- Appropriate management and preservation of the remains
Summary: The Significance of Visiting Tsuruga Castle
Located in Higashi, Ryujin-mura, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, Tsuruga Castle is a valuable historical site for studying Japanese medieval history, as it was built during the turbulent Nanboku-cho period (Northern and Southern Courts period). Built by Tamaki Naotora, this castle functioned as an important base for the Southern Court in Kii Province, leaving a significant mark on the region’s history.
The castle, built on a mountaintop at an altitude of 520 meters, still retains remains such as baileys and moats, providing important clues to understanding the structure and defensive philosophy of medieval mountain castles. Access requires considerable preparation and physical strength, but it is a historical site well worth visiting for mountain castle enthusiasts and history lovers.
Although it’s a bit of a distance from Tanabe city center, visiting Tsuruga Castle in conjunction with Ryujin Onsen hot springs and the surrounding natural environment allows you to experience the rich history and culture of the Kii Mountains. As one of Tanabe City’s proud historical treasures, Tsuruga Castle will undoubtedly continue to be carefully preserved and passed down to future generations.
For castle enthusiasts, we highly recommend visiting this mountain castle from the Nanboku-cho period and experiencing the landscape of the Kii Mountains as seen by medieval samurai.
