A Thorough Explanation of Kasama Castle’s History and Highlights | The Charm of a Mountain Castle Selected as One of Japan’s Top 100 Castles
Kasama Castle, built on the summit of Mt. Sashiro in Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a historically significant mountain castle that functioned as the residence of successive lords of Kasama for approximately 750 years, from the Kamakura period to the Meiji Restoration. It has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, and remnants of its stone walls and moats still remain today. This article provides a detailed explanation of Kasama Castle’s history, structure, and highlights.
What is Kasama Castle?
Kasama Castle is a mountain castle built on Mt. Sashiro (207 meters above sea level), and is known as a rare example of a castle with full-fledged stone walls in the Kanto region. With a keep enclosure and skillfully utilizing the natural terrain, it is a typical mountain castle that is “easy to defend and difficult to attack,” and a valuable historical site that conveys the changes in castle architecture from the medieval to the early modern period.
Kasama Castle Ruins were selected as one of the “Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles” in 2017, attracting attention from castle enthusiasts and history buffs. Currently, it is protected as a historical site by Kasama City and has been developed as a hiking trail, making it a spot where visitors can enjoy walks historical while appreciating the changing seasons.
History of Kasama Castle
Kamakura Period: Construction by Kasama Tokitomo
The history of Kasama Castle dates back to the early Kamakura period. It is believed to have begun in 1205, when Kasama Tokitomo (1203-1265) built a residence called Fumoto Castle at the foot of Mt. Sabayama. This was constructed as a base to prepare for battles against the warrior monks of Tokuzo-ji Temple.
Later, in 1219, Kasama Tokitomo built a more formidable castle on the summit of Mt. Sabayama. This marked the beginning of the full-fledged Kasama Castle, which would function as the Kasama clan’s base for approximately 380 years. Kasama Tokitomo was a member of the Utsunomiya clan and played an important role in protecting a strategic point in northern Hitachi Province.
Medieval Period: The 18th Residence of the Kasama Clan
Kasama Castle became the residence of the Kasama clan for 18 generations. Throughout the medieval period, the Kasama clan maintained their power as influential local lords in Hitachi Province, governing the surrounding area from Kasama Castle.
During the Sengoku period, they sought to survive by navigating their relationships with surrounding daimyo, but in 1590, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s siege of Odawara, Kasama Tsunaie sided with the Hojo clan, leading to the downfall of the Kasama clan. This marked the end of the Kasama clan’s rule, which had lasted for approximately 380 years.
Early Modern Period: Renovation into a Castle of the Oda-Toyotomi Style
After the fall of the Kasama clan, Gamo Satonari entered Kasama Castle. Gamo Satoari was a retainer of Gamo Ujisato and was granted a 30,000 koku domain in Kasama. Gamo Satoari remodeled Kasama Castle into a modern castle in the style of the Oda-Toyotomi period, constructing stone walls and other modern features. This period of remodeling transformed the medieval earthen castle into a full-fledged modern castle with stone walls.
Thanks to Gamo Satoari’s remodeling, Kasama Castle became the foremost castle in the Joso region in terms of stonework, establishing a robust defensive system centered around the keep. Subsequently, various feudal lords ruled Kasama Castle, and it functioned as the administrative center of the Kasama Domain throughout the Edo period.
From the Edo Period to the Meiji Restoration
During the Edo period, Kasama Castle served as the residence of the 80,000 koku Kasama Domain. However, due to its inconvenient mountain location, the lord’s residence was gradually moved to the foot of the mountain. Nevertheless, the castle’s function as a castle was maintained, and it continued to exist as a symbol of the Kasama Domain until the end of the Edo period.
After the Meiji Restoration, Kasama Castle was abandoned due to the abolition of the feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures, and many of its buildings were demolished. However, remnants such as the stone walls and moats remained, and they are preserved to this day as valuable historical sites that convey the history of Kasama Castle.
Structure and Layout of Kasama Castle
Main Keep and Stone Walls
The greatest highlight of Kasama Castle is the main keep located at the top of the mountain. The Sashinou Shrine is currently located in the main keep area, indicating its central location. Around the main keep area, the stone walls constructed during the time of Gamo Satoshige remain in excellent condition, showcasing a rare example of authentic stonework in the Kanto region.
The stone walls are built using a technique called “nozurazumi,” which utilizes natural stones, giving them a powerful and impressive appearance. While the height varies depending on the location, the highest sections reach several meters, demonstrating the advanced castle-building technology of the time.
Layout of Enclosures and Defensive Structures
Kasama Castle is characterized by its layout that skillfully utilizes the topography of Mt. Sahaku. Centered around the main keep enclosure at the summit, multiple enclosures are arranged in a stepped fashion, each separated by dry moats and earthen ramparts. Major enclosures include the main keep enclosure, as well as the second and third enclosures.
Between the enclosures, turrets, gates, bridges, and walls were positioned, creating a multi-layered defense against enemy intrusion. The dry moats were dug deep, and trenches cutting across the ridges were also constructed in several places. These defensive structures made Kasama Castle a strong mountain castle that was “easy to defend and difficult to attack.”
Relationship between the Foothill Castle and the Mountain Castle
Kasama Castle consisted of two elements: the main castle at the summit and the foothill castle at the base of the mountain. The Fumoto Castle is believed to have been located around the present-day Kasama Inari Shrine, and it was here that Kasama Tokitomo first built his residence.
It is thought that during peacetime, administrative affairs were conducted at the Fumoto Castle, and during wartime, the main castle on the mountaintop was used for siege. This dual structure of a mountain castle and residence is a typical form of medieval mountain castle and is one of the historical characteristics of Kasama Castle.
Highlights of Kasama Castle
Remaining Structures
At the Kasama Castle site, you can see the following remains:
Stone Walls: Stone walls built during the time of Gamo Satoshige remain in good condition, mainly around the keep enclosure. These stone walls, built using the nozurazumi technique, are rare for mountain castles in the Kanto region and are a major highlight of Kasama Castle.
Moat Remains: Dry moats separating enclosures and trenches cutting across ridges can be seen in multiple locations. The deep moats demonstrate the high level of defensive capability at the time.
Kuruwa Ruins: Clear remains of multiple kuruwa (enclosures), including the main keep enclosure, are preserved, allowing for an understanding of the castle’s overall layout. The arrangement of each enclosure reveals the ingenuity of its fortifications.
Sashino Shrine: Located within the main keep enclosure, this shrine is an important landmark indicating its central location within the castle. From the shrine, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Kasama city, appreciating the castle’s excellent location.
Attractions as a Hiking Course
The area around Kasama Castle ruins is well-maintained as a hiking course, allowing visitors to enjoy both historical exploration and nature observation. While there are multiple routes to the castle, the main route starts near Kasama Inari Shrine.
The climb takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour, but guide signs are installed along the way, making it safe even for beginners. The natural beauty changes with the seasons, and it is particularly popular during the spring lush greenery and autumn foliage seasons.
The view from the summit is also magnificent, offering panoramic views of Kasama city and the surrounding mountains. If the weather is good, you can see as far as Mount Tsukuba, and you’ll truly understand why the castle lords chose this location.
Value as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles
In 2017, Kasama Castle was selected as one of the “Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles.” This is one of the 100 castles selected as a sequel to the famous castles of Japan chosen by the Japan Castle Association.
You can get the stamp for the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles at the Kasama Historical Exchange Center Izutsuya. Izutsuya also provides detailed information and maps about Kasama Castle, so we recommend stopping by before climbing the castle. For castle enthusiasts, it’s a historical site well worth visiting, especially for stamp collecting.
Access and Visiting Information for Kasama Castle
Access Method
Access by Train: It’s about a 20-minute walk from Kasama Station on the JR Mito Line to the castle entrance. From Kasama Station, head towards Kasama Inari Shrine, and then enter the castle path.
Access by Car: Approximately 15 minutes from the Tomobe Interchange on the Kita-Kanto Expressway, or approximately 20 minutes from the Iwama Interchange on the Joban Expressway. Parking is available near Kasama Inari Shrine.
Points to Note When Visiting
Since Kasama Castle is a mountain castle, please note the following points when visiting:
Clothing and Equipment: Comfortable walking shoes and clothing are essential as you will be walking on mountain trails. Particular caution is needed after rain, as the trails can become slippery.
Estimated Time Required: Allow approximately 2-3 hours, including sightseeing time, from ascent to descent. If you wish to carefully observe the remains, it will take longer.
Restricted Areas: Some areas are off-limits for safety reasons. Please follow the signs and notices.
Information Gathering: We recommend obtaining a guide map and materials in advance at the Kasama Historical Exchange Center Izutsuya. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Kasama Castle.
Utilizing the Kasama Historical Exchange Center Izutsuya
The Kasama Historical Exchange Center Izutsuya is an important base facility when visiting Kasama Castle. Here, detailed exhibits and materials related to Kasama Castle are on display, allowing you to learn about the castle’s history and structure.
You can also get your stamp for the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles here, and castle maps and information pamphlets are sold and distributed. Gathering information before climbing the castle will allow for a more fulfilling visit. Furthermore, it is a facility where you can learn not only about Kasama Castle, but also about the history and culture of Kasama City.
Attractions around Kasama Castle
Kasama Inari Shrine
Located on the site where the foot of Kasama Castle is believed to have stood, Kasama Inari Shrine is a historic shrine counted as one of Japan’s three great Inari shrines. It has deep historical ties to Kasama Castle and is worth visiting in conjunction with a visit to the castle ruins.
Kasama’s Pottery Culture
Kasama City is also known as a town of pottery, with Numerous Kasama ware kilns and pottery museums scattered throughout the area. After visiting the castle ruins, we recommend experiencing Kasama’s traditional crafts.
Historical Significance of Kasama Castle
Kasama Castle is a valuable historical site that shows the evolution of castle architecture from the medieval to the early modern period. The remains reveal the process of its transformation from an earthen mountain castle of the Kamakura period to a modern castle with stone walls of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.
In particular, as a castle with authentic stone walls, which is rare in the Kanto region, it is an important site for considering the history of castle architecture in the Joso region. Having stood for approximately 750 years since its construction by Kasama Tokitomo, and having experienced many historical events, Kasama Castle, which still stands today, can be said to be one of Ibaraki Prefecture’s representative historical heritage sites.
Summary
Kasama Castle is a mountain castle of high historical value that functioned as the residence of the Kasama lord for approximately 750 years, from its construction by Kasama Tokitomo in the Kamakura period until the Meiji Restoration. It has a keep enclosure and, as a castle with authentic stone walls, which is rare in the Kanto region, it has been selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles.
The well-preserved stone walls, moat remains, and baileys are invaluable historical materials that tell the story of the evolution of castle architecture from the medieval to the early modern period. Surrounded by the natural beauty of Mount Sabashiro, the castle ruins have also been developed into a hiking trail, making it a spot where you can enjoy both historical exploration and natural observation.
When visiting Kasama Castle, it is recommended to gather information beforehand at the Kasama Historical Exchange Center Izutsuya, wear comfortable clothing, and allow ample time for your climb. Experience the long history beginning with Kasama Tokitomo and the traces of the early modern castle renovations by Gamo Satoshige through the actual remains. Why not experience the charm of this representative mountain castle of Ibaraki Prefecture for yourself?
