Abuzuri Castle (Hayama Town, Kanagawa Prefecture) Complete Guide | The Miura Clan’s Coastal Castle and the Legend of Minamoto no Yoritomo
What is Abuzuri Castle?
Abuzuri Castle is a flatland castle located in Horiuchi, Hayama Town, Miura District, Kanagawa Prefecture. Also known as Hatatateyama, Gunmiyama, and Yorozuri Castle, it functioned as an important branch castle of the Miura clan in Sagami Province.
Built on a small hill approximately 20-25 meters high that juts out to the east of the current Hayama Port (Abuzuri Port), its location facing the sea made it a strategic stronghold protecting the entrance to the Miura Peninsula, playing an important role from the late Heian period to the Kamakura period.
Parts of the castle ruins still remain today and are listed on Google Maps as “Part of Abuzuri Castle Ruins.” The castle’s structure, which utilizes the unique topography where the sea and mountains meet, is a valuable historical site for understanding the Miura clan’s castle-building techniques.
History of Abuzuri Castle
Construction and Lord
While Abuzuri Castle is attributed to Miura Yoshiaki (Miura Daisuke Yoshiaki), records frequently mention Miura Yoshizumi, the third son of Miura Yoshiaki, as the actual lord. There is also a theory that Otawa Yoshihisa (Miura Yoshihisa), another third son of Miura Yoshiaki, resided there.
The Miura clan was a leading samurai group in Sagami Province, extending its influence throughout the Miura Peninsula. Abuzuri Castle was an important base within their network of branch castles. Its location facing the sea also allowed it to function as a naval base, and it is believed to have played a role in supporting the Miura clan’s maritime transportation.
The Battle of Ishibashiyama and Abuzuri Castle in 1180
Abuzuri Castle first appears on the historical stage in August of 1180, when Minamoto no Yoritomo raised an army in Izu Province.
To support Minamoto no Yoritomo, who had raised an army at Ishibashiyama, the Miura clan attempted to rush to his side. Miura Yoshizumi was about to depart from the port of Abuzuri, but heavy rains caused the Sakawa River (some sources say the Sagami River) to swell, making it impossible to cross and forcing him to arrive in time.
Yoritomo was defeated by the Taira forces, including Oba Kagechika, at the Battle of Ishibashiyama, and fled from Manazuru to Awa Province (present-day Chiba Prefecture). The Miura clan was unable to reunite with Yoritomo and were forced to turn back.
The Battle of Kotsubo (Battle of Yuigahama) and the Origin of Hatatateyama
After the Battle of Ishibashiyama, the Miura clan, who had retreated, encountered the Chichibu clan, led by Hatakeyama Shigetada of the Taira clan, at Kotsubo (present-day Kotsubo, Zushi City), resulting in a battle. This was the Battle of Kotsubo (Battle of Yuigahama).
According to the *Genpei Seisui Ki* (The Rise and Fall of the Minamoto and Taira Clans), it is recorded that at this time, Wada Yoshimori advised Miura Yoshizumi to take refuge in Abuzuri Castle. The Miura clan raised their flag on this mountain to encourage their allies and boost their morale, and thus Abuzuri Castle came to be called Hatatateyama (Flag-Raising Mountain).
This battle was fierce, but ultimately the Miura clan retreated to their base at Kinugasa Castle. With the memory of their defeat in the Heiji Rebellion still fresh, Abuzuri Castle functioned as an important defensive base for the Miura clan.
The Sengoku Period and the Origin of Gunmiyama Mountain
Later, during the Sengoku period (Warring States period), from Eisho 13 (1516) to Eisho 15 (1518), Sagami Province was the site of fierce battles between Hojo Soun (Ise Sozui) and the Miura clan.
It is said that Miura Yoshitomo (Miura Dosun), after being defeated in battle against Hojo Soun, used this Abuzuri Mountain to keep watch over the pursuing Ise forces as he retreated to Arai Castle (Miura City). This is the origin of the mountain’s alternative name, Gunmiyama (meaning “military watch mountain”).
The Miura clan was destroyed in this battle, and Sagami Province came under the control of the Hojo clan. Abuzuri Castle is also believed to have been abandoned around this time.
Structure and Remains of Abuzuri Castle
Castle Location and Layout
Abuzuri Castle is a flatland castle built on a small hill jutting out into the sea, with a relative height of approximately 20-25 meters. Taking advantage of its topography, surrounded by the sea on three sides, it was designed to withstand attacks from land.
The castle grounds are not particularly large, making it a small-scale fort. However, its strategic location at the entrance to the Miura Peninsula made it an important base for the Miura clan.
Existing Remains
Currently, the following remains can be confirmed at the Abuzuri Castle site:
- Earthworks: Traces of earthworks remain in some areas.
- Enclosures (Kuruwa): Multiple leveled areas can be identified.
- Cut Slopes: Traces of artificially excavated slopes.
While the preservation of the remains is not always ideal, it is designated as a town historical site by Hayama Town as a valuable historical site with characteristics of a coastal castle.
From the mountaintop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Sagami Bay, and on clear days, you can even see Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji. The scenery allows you to imagine the Miura clan once commanding their naval forces from this vantage point.
Highlights of Abuzuri Castle
Castle Landscape Integrated with the Sea
The greatest highlight of Abuzuri Castle is undoubtedly its unique location facing the sea. While many castles in the Kanto region are built inland, Abuzuri Castle is built jutting out into the sea, retaining strong characteristics of a coastal castle.
From the castle ruins, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Hayama coastline, allowing you to reflect on the era when the Miura naval forces ruled this area.
The Historical Romance of Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Miura Clan
Abuzuri Castle was one of the important stages during Minamoto no Yoritomo’s uprising. If the Miura clan had arrived in time for the Battle of Ishibashiyama, Japanese history might have unfolded differently. This castle site holds special significance for history buffs as a place where one can feel the “what ifs” of history.
A Historic Site in Harmony with Hayama’s Nature
Abuzuri Castle Ruins stands quietly amidst the rich natural beauty of Hayama. It hasn’t been heavily commercialized for tourism, allowing visitors to enjoy a historical stroll in a tranquil atmosphere. It’s a precious spot where you can feel the spirit of medieval samurai while enjoying the sea breeze.
Access Information
Location
Address: Horiuchi, Hayama-machi, Miura-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture (near Hayama Port)
Access by Public Transportation
- Get off at JR Yokosuka Line “Zushi Station” or Keikyu Zushi Line “Zushi-Hayama Station”
- Take a Keikyu Bus bound for “Hayama Isshiki” or “Hayama (Yamate-mawari)”
- Get off at the “Abuzuri” bus stop and walk for approximately 5 minutes.
Access by Car
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Yokohama-Yokosuka Expressway “Zushi IC”
- Parking is available around Hayama Port (use paid parking).
Estimated Visiting Time
Allow approximately 20-30 minutes to visit the castle ruins. Combining your visit with a stroll along the Hayama coastline will make for a more fulfilling experience.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Castles Related to the Miura Clan
If you visit Abuzuri Castle, we recommend also visiting other castles associated with the Miura clan:
- Kinugasa Castle: The main base of the Miura clan (Yokosuka City)
- Kaijima Castle: A branch castle on the western coast of the Miura Peninsula (Yokosuka City)
- Arai Castle: The last residence of the Miura clan (Miura City)
Hayama Tourist Attractions
- Hayama Shiosai Park: A beautiful Japanese garden overlooking Sagami Bay
- Morito Shrine: An ancient shrine associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo
- Isshiki Beach: A beautiful beach representative of Hayama
- Hayama Marina: A yacht harbor and resort facility
The Story of Abuzuri Castle and the Miura Clan
About the Miura Clan
The Miura clan was a samurai group descended from the Kanmu Taira clan and ruled the Miura Peninsula from the Heian period. During the time of Miura Yoshiaki, the Miura clan had strong ties with the Minamoto clan and became an important support force when Minamoto no Yoritomo raised an army.
The Miura clan was also skilled in naval warfare and is said to have controlled the seas of Sagami Bay. Abuzuri Castle is thought to have also functioned as a naval base.
The Kame no Mae Incident and Abuzuri
The Abuzuri area is also associated with an episode involving Kame no Mae, a concubine of Minamoto no Yoritomo. It is said to be one of the locations where Hojo Masako, enraged upon learning of Yoritomo’s infidelity, had Kame no Mae’s house destroyed, illustrating the geographical importance of Abuzuri, located on an important transportation route connecting the Miura Peninsula and Kamakura.
Origin of the Place Name Abuzuri
The unique place name “Abuzuri” is said to have originated from the fact that when a warrior on horseback passed through, the road was narrow and steep, causing the stirrups (abumi, the part of the horse’s tack where the feet rest) to rub against the rocks. It is also written as “Yoroizuri,” and there is a theory that this indicates the path was so steep that armor would rub against it. In any case, the place name tells us that this area had a rugged terrain and was a strategically important military location.
Visitor Ratings and Reviews
Castle enthusiasts who have visited Abuzuri Castle have given the following ratings:
- Average Rating: ★★★☆☆ (approximately 2.89)
- Visiting Time: Approximately 19 minutes on average
- Number of Visitors: Approximately 95 people (data from a castle enthusiast website)
Because it is a small castle site, it does not have flashy features such as large stone walls or a keep, but it is appreciated for the sense of historical romance from the Genpei War and its unusual location as a coastal castle. It is especially recommended for history buffs and fans of the Miura clan.
Preservation and Future of Abuzuri Castle
Abuzuri Castle ruins are designated as a town historical site of Hayama Town and are protected as a valuable cultural asset of the region. However, no large-scale development has been carried out, and it remains in a state of quiet contemplation amidst nature.
In recent years, interest in the Miura clan has increased due to the influence of historical dramas such as “The 13 Lords of Kamakura,” and attention to historical sites associated with the Miura clan, including Abuzuri Castle, has also risen. It is hoped that this valuable historical heritage will be passed on to future generations while striking a balance between appropriate preservation and utilization.
Summary: The Charm of Abuzuri Castle
Although small in scale, Abuzuri Castle is a castle with many attractions, including:
- An important stage during Minamoto no Yoritomo’s uprising: Historical value related to the Battle of Ishibashiyama
- A coastal castle of the Miura clan: Unique location as a naval base
- A fortress protecting the entrance to the Miura Peninsula: Strategic importance
- Alternate names: Hatatateyama and Gunmiyama: Each with its own historical story
- Beautiful coastal scenery: A historical site integrated with the nature of Hayama
While Kanagawa Prefecture boasts many famous historical spots such as Odawara Castle and the historical sites of Kamakura, Abuzuri Castle is a hidden gem known only to those in the know. When visiting the Miura Peninsula, why not take a visit to this small coastal castle and reflect on the history of the Miura clan, which lasted from the Genpei War to the Sengoku period?
Imagine the warriors of Miura who once raised their banners and raised their spirits here, while gazing at the beautiful sea of Hayama—that is the unique way to enjoy Abuzuri Castle.
