Complete Guide to Katsuyama Castle (Nakanoto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture) | History and Highlights of a Mountain Castle that Became a Base for Internal Conflicts within the Noto Hatakeyama Clan
Located in Serikawa, Nakanoto Town, Kashima District, Ishikawa Prefecture, Katsuyama Castle is a mountain castle that played an important role in Noto Province during the Sengoku period. Built on a mountaintop at an altitude of 382.9m, this castle was used as a political base by the Nukui clan for about two and a half years during the internal conflicts of the Noto Hatakeyama clan, functioning as the administrative center of Noto Province. This article comprehensively introduces information useful for castle enthusiasts and history fans, from the history of Katsuyama Castle, its layout, highlights, and access methods.
History and Background of Katsuyama Castle
Internal Conflicts within the Noto Hatakeyama Clan and the Rebellion of Nukui Tsugumune
The history of Katsuyama Castle is closely intertwined with the internal conflicts within the Noto Hatakeyama clan. In September of Tenbun 24 (1555), Tsugumune Nukui, who rebelled against Yoshitsuna Hatakeyama, built a castle in Katsuyama, a strategically important location. The Nukui clan used this castle as their residence for approximately two and a half years, until the spring of Eiroku 1 (1558), and it functioned as the political center of Noto Province.
Tsugumune Nukui was a senior retainer of the Noto Hatakeyama clan, and his rebellion stemmed from his conflict with his lord, Yoshitsuna Hatakeyama. Katsuyama was located in the central part of Noto Province, a strategically important location controlling the transportation route between Nanao and Kanazawa. Tsugumune utilized this geographical advantage, and at one point even seized real power in Noto Province.
Narimasa Sasa and Katsuyama Castle in the Tensho Period
Approximately 30 years after the time of the Nukui clan, in Tensho 12 (1584), Katsuyama Castle reappeared on the historical stage. Sasa Narimasa of Etchu Province, in conflict with Maeda Toshiie of Noto Province, ordered Jinbo Ujichika, lord of Moriyama Castle, to attack Nanao Castle. At this time, Jinbo Ujichika placed his retainer, Fukuroi Hayato, in charge of defense at Katsuyama Castle.
During this period, Katsuyama Castle functioned as a frontline base for Sasa Narimasa’s forces invading Noto. However, due to a counterattack by Maeda Toshiie, Sasa Narimasa’s invasion of Noto failed, and Katsuyama Castle’s role came to an end.
The Maeda Clan’s Rule of Noto and the Castle’s Demise
In 1585 (Tensho 13), Toyotomi Hideyoshi defeated Sasa Narimasa, and Noto Province came completely under the control of the Maeda clan. While Maeda Yasukatsu and his son Toshiyoshi managed Noto, Katsuyama Castle lost its strategic importance and is believed to have been abandoned. During the Edo period, it came under the control of the Kaga Domain, and the castle ruins were left as a forest.
Layout and Structure of Katsuyama Castle
Location and Topographical Characteristics
Katsuyama Castle is a mountain castle with its main enclosure located on the summit of a mountain at an altitude of 382.9m in Serikawa, Nakanoto Town. With a relative elevation difference of over 200m, it is a highly defensible castle that takes advantage of the steep terrain. It employs a stepped layout of enclosures along the northern ridge, boasting one of the largest scales in Noto Province.
The mountain on which the castle was built offers an excellent vantage point overlooking the surrounding area, allowing for surveillance of both Nanao and Kanazawa. This geographical advantage is thought to be one of the reasons why Tsugumune Nukui chose this location as his residence.
Arrangement of the Main Enclosure and Enclosures
The main enclosure, located at the summit, is the most important section and the center of the castle. Traces of earthworks remain around the main enclosure, suggesting that defensive facilities were in place. From the main enclosure, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Noto plains, making it a strategically important location for a military and political base.
From the main enclosure to the northern ridge, multiple enclosures are arranged in a stepped fashion. Each enclosure is clearly demarcated by a cliff face, exhibiting a typical structure of a multi-enclosure castle. The approach to the castle is thought to have utilized the ridge, with a route designed to pass through each enclosure before reaching the main enclosure.
Defensive Structures and Remains
Katsuyama Castle exhibits defensive structures characteristic of mountain castles. The following are some of the main remains that have been identified:
Earthworks: Earthworks were built around the main enclosure and major enclosures, and some parts remain well-preserved today. These earthworks served to prevent enemy intrusion and also acted as a screen to conceal the interior of the enclosures.
Cliff Faces: Clear cliff faces are provided between each enclosure, forming defensive lines utilizing the elevation differences. The height of the cliff faces varies depending on the location, but many are around 2-3 meters high.
Moat: A moat blocking the ridgeline has been confirmed, demonstrating a strategy to limit enemy incursions.
Enclosure: More than 10 enclosures of varying sizes have been identified, each presumably serving different functions such as living quarters, granaries, and armories.
Highlights and Notes on Katsuyama Castle
Remains Appearing Around the 5th Station
The first highlight when visiting Katsuyama Castle is the enclosures and cliffs that appear around the 5th station of the mountain trail. While you need to rely on faint trails to reach this point, the appearance of clear remains gives you a real sense of having entered the castle grounds.
The enclosures around the 5th station are relatively flat and may have been used as troop garrisons or supply depots. It is thought that more important facilities were located as you ascend from here.
The Ingenuity of the Concentric Enclosure Layout
The stepped arrangement of enclosures is the greatest highlight of Katsuyama Castle. By ascending and passing through each enclosure in sequence, you can experience the ingenuity of castle design from the Sengoku period. The steep cliffs between the enclosures not only functioned as defensive lines but also had the effect of stifling the attackers’ momentum.
The interconnected enclosure layout had the advantage of allowing efficient defense even with a small force, and was a common structure in mountain castles. In the case of Katsuyama Castle, the design makes maximum use of the ridge terrain.
View from the Main Enclosure
From the main enclosure, at an altitude of 382.9m, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the central part of the Noto Peninsula. On a clear day, you can see both Nanao Bay and Kanazawa, making it easy to understand why Tsugumune Nukui chose this location as his political base.
The main enclosure is a relatively large, flat area, and it is presumed that buildings serving as government offices were constructed here. Standing in this place, which functioned as the center of politics for the entire Noto Province for two and a half years, you can feel the tension of the Sengoku period.
Traces of Earthworks and Defensive Lines
The earthworks remaining around the main enclosure are valuable relics that convey the defensive thinking of the time the castle was built. The height and shape of the earthworks allow us to understand what kind of attacks were anticipated.
Inside the earthworks, a flat area extends, and although no building foundations or post holes have been confirmed, it is highly likely that a post-and-beam building stood there.
Access to Katsuyama Castle
Access by Public Transportation
Train: The nearest station is Yoshikawa Station on the JR Nanao Line. The castle ruins are approximately 3km from the station, taking about 40 minutes on foot. Consider taking a taxi.
Bus: A community bus operates in Nakanoto Town, but the number of services is limited, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Access by Car
From Kanazawa: Take National Route 159 (Kashima Bypass) towards Nanao. Turn right at the Rapia Kashima traffic light onto Prefectural Road 18. Continue straight at the Serikawa traffic light (intersection with Prefectural Road 244) approximately 1.6 km ahead. Turn right just before the bridge over a small river approximately 500 m further on.
From Nanao: Take National Route 159 towards Kanazawa. Turn left at the Serikawa traffic light onto Prefectural Road 18. The route from there is the same as above.
Parking: There is no dedicated parking lot for the castle ruins, but there are a few spaces on the roadside near the trailhead. However, please be considerate of local residents.
Climbing Route and Estimated Time
From the trailhead to the main enclosure, you will climb approximately 200 m in elevation. The hiking trail is not well-maintained and there are very few signs, so this route is only suitable for experienced hikers or those familiar with castle exploration.
Estimated Time: It takes approximately 40-60 minutes one way from the trailhead to the main enclosure, so allow about 2 hours round trip.
Equipment: Hiking boots, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, gloves, and drinking water are essential. Insect repellent is also recommended during the summer months.
Caution: Because the trail is unclear in some places, it is safer to climb along the left side of the ridge while keeping the prefectural road in sight. Using a GPS-enabled map app is recommended to avoid getting lost.
Nearby Related Castles and Tourist Spots
Nearby Castles
Around Katsuyama Castle, there are several castles associated with the Noto Hatakeyama and Maeda clans.
Nanao Castle: The main castle of the Noto Hatakeyama clan, and a famous castle counted among Japan’s five great mountain castles. Located approximately 15km northeast of Katsuyama Castle, it was a central castle in Noto Province. It is designated a National Historic Site and boasts excellent facilities for visitors.
Suemori Castle: Known as the castle defended by Maeda Toshiie against Sassa Narimasa. Located approximately 10km northwest of Katsuyama Castle, it was the site of the “Battle of Suemori Castle.”
Arayama Castle: A mountain castle located approximately 1.8km from Katsuyama Castle, it is thought to be a castle associated with the Nukui clan. Visiting it in conjunction with Katsuyama Castle provides a deeper understanding of the spheres of influence at the time.
Shibatoge Fort/Koshibatoge Fort: A group of forts located approximately 1km from Katsuyama Castle, which may have served as a subsidiary castle of Katsuyama Castle.
Tourist Spots in Nakanoto Town
Michi-no-Eki Orihime-no-Sato Nakanoto: A facility where you can enjoy Nakanoto Town’s specialty products and local cuisine. Ideal for a stop before or after visiting Katsuyama Castle.
Amenomiya Kofun Cluster: This cluster of burial mounds is designated a National Historic Site and contains one of the largest keyhole-shaped burial mounds in the Noto region. It’s a spot where you can experience the history of Noto from ancient times to the Middle Ages.
Ishidoyama: This mountain once flourished as a major sacred site of the Tendai sect and housed many warrior monks during the Middle Ages. It was also a religiously and militarily important base during the time of Katsuyama Castle.
Historical Significance and Evaluation of Katsuyama Castle
Role as a Political Center in Noto Province
The most important historical significance of Katsuyama Castle lies in its function as the administrative center of Noto Province during the rebellion of Nukui Tsugumune. While mountain castles typically have a strong military character, Katsuyama Castle is unique in that it was also used as a political center.
Although it was only for a short period of about two and a half years, the fact that the politics of the entire Noto Province were conducted from this castle speaks to the importance of its size and location. Tsugumune Nukui, in order to counter Yoshitsuna Hatakeyama, who was based at Nanao Castle, chose Katsuyama Castle as his new political base and attempted to control Noto from there.
Strategic Value as a Transportation Hub
Katsuyama Castle is located in Serikawa, Nakanoto Town, a crucial point on the transportation route connecting Nanao and Kanazawa. Controlling this area provided a strategic advantage, allowing for the monitoring and control of the movement of goods and troops between Noto and Kaga.
During the Tensho period, Narimasa Sasa used Katsuyama Castle as a forward base because he recognized the importance of controlling this transportation route. In his conflict with Toshiie Maeda, Katsuyama Castle was an indispensable base for securing the invasion route into Noto.
One of the Largest Mountain Castles in the Prefecture
While there are many mountain castles in Ishikawa Prefecture, Katsuyama Castle boasts one of the largest scales among them. The castle’s large-scale layout, featuring over ten enclosures, clearly defined earthworks and cliffs, and its location at an altitude of 382.9m, represent the pinnacle of castle construction technology of the time.
The fact that Tsugumune Nukui, a senior retainer of the Noto Hatakeyama clan, built a castle of this scale in such a short period demonstrates the strength of his power base and his determination to wage rebellion.
Practical Advice for Visiting Katsuyama Castle
Best Season for Visiting
Katsuyama Castle is a mountain castle, and the hiking trails are not well-maintained, so choosing the right time to visit is important.
Spring (April-May): The season of fresh greenery and mild weather. However, the ground may be muddy after the snow melts.
Autumn (October-November): The best season to visit. You can enjoy the autumn foliage, and there are fewer insects, making for a comfortable climb.
Summer (June-September): The vegetation is dense, making the ruins difficult to see, and there are many insects, so it’s best to avoid this time.
Winter (December-March): There is snow, making the climb difficult. Only experienced hikers should attempt this.
Equipment to Bring
- Hiking Boots: Essential. Sneakers are slippery and dangerous.
- Long-Sleeved Shirt and Long Pants: There are areas where you’ll need to bushwhack, so avoid exposing your skin.
- Gloves: You’ll often need to grab tree branches, so work gloves are useful.
- Drinking Water: There are no water sources in the mountains. Bring a sufficient amount.
- Smartphone with GPS: Essential to avoid getting lost.
- Insect Repellent: Essential from spring to autumn.
- Camera: For documenting the ruins and taking photos of the scenery.
Safety Precautions
- Avoid Solo Activities: Visiting in groups is recommended if possible.
- Check Weather: The ground can be slippery and dangerous during or immediately after rain.
- Allow Ample Time: Aim for an early departure to descend before sunset.
- Cell Phone Signal: Signal strength can be weak in some mountainous areas. Inform family members of your destination beforehand.
- Wildlife: Be aware of wild boars, venomous snakes, and other animals.
Photography Tips
Photographing Ruins: Changing the angle of your shots will make the elevation differences of earthworks and cliffs clearer.
Photographing Views: The view from the main enclosure is most beautiful in the morning when the light is favorable.
Overall View: Photographing the entire Katsuyama Castle from the opposite mountain is another option.
Reference Materials and Research on Katsuyama Castle
Related Books
For those who want to learn more about Katsuyama Castle, the following books are helpful:
- *Medieval Castles and Residences of Ishikawa Prefecture* (Ishikawa Prefectural Board of Education)
- *Comprehensive Survey of Japanese Castles, Volume 7: Niigata, Toyama, and Ishikawa* (Shin Jinbutsu Oraisha)
- *Mountain Castles of Noto* (Hokkoku Shimbunsha)
- *Research on the Noto Hatakeyama Clan* (Various collections of papers)
These documents contain detailed descriptions of Katsuyama Castle’s layout, archaeological excavation reports, and the rebellion of Tsugumune Nukui.
Maps and Layout Maps
A layout map of Katsuyama Castle is included in some castle research books. Checking the layout map before visiting will deepen your understanding of the remains at the site. Topographic maps from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan are also useful for understanding the castle’s location and topography.
Historical Documents
Records of the rebellion of Tsugumune Nukui are preserved in historical documents such as the “Historical Materials Related to the Noto Hatakeyama Clan” and the “Historical Materials of the Kaga Domain.” These documents provide detailed information about the period during which Katsuyama Castle functioned as the administrative center of Noto Province.
Summary: The Charm and Value of Visiting Katsuyama Castle
Katsuyama Castle, located in Nakanoto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, is one of the largest mountain castles in the prefecture, built by Tsugumune Nukui during a period of internal conflict within the Noto Hatakeyama clan. With its main enclosure situated on the 382.9m-high mountaintop, and its stepped, multi-enclosure layout along the northern ridge, it is a valuable historical site that conveys the castle-building techniques of the Sengoku period.
Its historical significance as the administrative center of Noto Province for a short period of about two and a half years, its strategic value as a transportation hub, and the well-preserved remains such as earthworks and cliffs make it an unmissable attraction for castle enthusiasts.
Katsuyama Castle, located in Nakanoto Town, Ishikawa Prefecture, is one of the largest mountain castles in the prefecture, built by Tsugumune Nukui during a period of internal conflict within the Noto Hatakeyama clan. Visiting Katsuyama Castle requires mountaineering equipment and prior preparation, but it offers a valuable experience of breathtaking views from the main keep and a palpable sense of the Sengoku period. Visiting it along with other nearby castles such as Nanao Castle and Suemori Castle will deepen your understanding of Noto Province’s Sengoku history.
Katsuyama Castle is not easily accessible, but that only comes with a sense of accomplishment and historical romance that only those who visit can truly appreciate. If you’re interested in Noto’s mountain castles, why not consider visiting it?
