Complete Guide to Kuniyoshi Castle | History, Highlights, and Access Information for this Impregnable Mountain Castle
What is Kuniyoshi Castle?
Kuniyoshi Castle is a Sengoku period mountain castle located in Sagaki, Mihama-cho, Mikata-gun, Fukui Prefecture. Built on the border between Wakasa and Echizen Provinces, it is known as a “border castle” that repeatedly repelled invasions by the Asakura clan of Echizen Province, making it a formidable and impregnable fortress.
The main keep is located on the summit of Shiroyama Mountain, at an altitude of 197.3 meters. It was built in 1556 by Awaya Etchu-no-kami Katsuhisa, a senior retainer of the Takeda clan, the shugo (military governor) of Wakasa Province. From 1563 to 1573, the Asakura clan’s forces attacked almost every year, but the castle was never captured.
In 2017, it was selected as one of the “Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles” (No. 139), recognizing it as a representative historical castle of Japan. It also attracted attention when it was featured as the setting for episode 31, “Flee, Nobunaga,” of the 2020 NHK Taiga drama “Kirin ga Kuru.”
History of Kuniyoshi Castle
Background of Construction and Awaya Katsuhisa
The history of Kuniyoshi Castle is deeply intertwined with the complex political situation of Wakasa Province during the Sengoku period. Originally, there was an old castle built by the Sagaki clan on this site, but in 1556, Awaya Etchu-no-kami Katsuhisa, a senior retainer of the Takeda clan, the shugo (military governor) of Wakasa Province, renovated the old castle site and built the new Kuniyoshi Castle.
Awaya Katsuhisa was a powerful retainer serving the Wakasa Takeda clan and was entrusted with the defense of the eastern part of Wakasa Province. By constructing a castle at a strategically important location near the border with Echizen Province, it was necessary to prepare for invasions from the powerful Echizen Asakura clan of the Hokuriku region.
Conflict with the Echizen Asakura Clan
In 1563, Asakura Yoshikage of Echizen led a large army to invade Wakasa Province and attacked Kuniyoshi Castle. This marked the beginning of a long siege of Kuniyoshi Castle.
Awaya Katsuhisa, along with local samurai and civilians, holed up in the castle and repelled the Asakura forces. This success was unexpected for the Asakura clan, and from then until 1569, they attempted to capture Kuniyoshi Castle almost every year, but all attempts ended in failure.
The reason Kuniyoshi Castle was so impregnable lay in its terrain. castle’s structure, built on steep mountain terrain, Awaya Katsuhisa’s skilled defensive tactics, and the unity of the local people allowed them to overcome an overwhelming difference in military strength.
Oda Nobunaga and Kuniyoshi Castle
In 1570, Oda Nobunaga marched from Wakasa to Echizen to subdue the Asakura clan of Echizen. At this time, Nobunaga entered Kuniyoshi Castle, making it his headquarters and base for the Echizen campaign.
It is said that Nobunaga highly valued Awaya Katsuhisa’s long-standing fighting prowess and praised his achievements. Katsuhisa’s strategy and courage in holding out for nearly 10 years against the formidable Asakura clan in a small mountain castle must have been particularly remarkable in the eyes of Nobunaga, who aimed for the unification of Japan.
Nobunaga’s invasion of Echizen led to the decline of the Asakura clan’s power, and in 1573, Asakura Yoshikage committed suicide, bringing an end to the Asakura clan. This eliminated the threat that had continuously plagued Kuniyoshi Castle.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Kuniyoshi Castle
After the fall of the Asakura clan, Kuniyoshi Castle came under the control of Oda Nobunaga, and in subsequent history, it is known as the castle that welcomed all three great figures: Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and Nobunaga himself.
From around 1583 to 1586, Kimura Sadamitsu became the lord of the castle, and from 1601 to 1634, Kyogoku Takatsugu and his son Tadataka ruled Kuniyoshi Castle as the lords of Wakasa Province. During this period, the castle town was developed, and the townscape of Sagaki was formed.
During the Edo period, Kuniyoshi Castle ceased to function as a mountain castle, and the residence below the castle became the center of government affairs. A town magistrate’s office was established in Sagaki, functioning as the administrative center of Wakasa Province.
Structure and Highlights of the Mountain Castle
Overall Layout
Kuniyoshi Castle is a typical mountain castle with its main keep located on the summit of Shiroyama Mountain, at an elevation of 197.3 meters. There is an elevation difference of approximately 240 meters from the foot of the mountain to the main keep, with steep slopes on the east, west, and south sides.
The castle’s layout is a multi-bailey mountain castle, with multiple baileys (kuruwa) arranged around the main keep. The second and third baileys extend along the ridge from the main keep at the summit, and each bailey is demarcated by moats and earthworks.
At the foot of the mountain are the remains of the lord’s residence, where earthworks and stone walls are well-preserved. The site of the residence currently surrounds the location of the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum.
Spectacular View from the Main Enclosure
The main enclosure is located at the highest point of Kuniyoshi Castle, and the view from here is breathtaking. To the north, you can see the Sea of Japan and the Tsuruga Peninsula; to the east, the Santo district, the site of the siege; and to the west, the Mikata Five Lakes and the town of Mihama.
On a clear day, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery created by the beautiful coastline of Wakasa Bay and the surrounding mountains. This view may have been seen by Oda Nobunaga himself, making it a place where you can feel the romance of history.
Currently, a stone monument and explanatory plaque marking the castle site are installed at the main enclosure, allowing you to imagine the castle’s appearance in its heyday.
Highlights of the Stone Walls
One of the major highlights of Kuniyoshi Castle is the stone walls built in various eras. particular, around the site of the former residence at the foot of the mountain, stone walls from different periods remain, allowing visitors to observe the evolution of castle architecture.
The stone walls built during the Tensho era (around 1583-1586), when Kimura Sadamitsu was the lord of the castle, were constructed using the nozurazumi technique. On the other hand, during the time of the Kyogoku clan (around 1601-1634), stone walls were built using the more advanced “sangizumi” technique.
Sangizumi is a technique where the corners of the stone walls are joined at right angles, resulting in a stronger structure. This technique is characteristic of early modern castles and is a valuable relic demonstrating the development of castle architecture technology at Kuniyoshi Castle.
To the west of the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum, the stone walls of the former Sagaki Town Magistrate’s Office from the Edo period also remain, and are worth seeing.
Ascent Routes and Enclosures
The ascent route to Kuniyoshi Castle utilizes the mountain trail that begins behind the museum. The path to the castle is well-maintained, but because it features the steep slopes characteristic of mountain castles, comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended.
As you proceed along the path, you will first reach a series of interconnected baileys. Each bailey is demarcated by earthworks and moats, showcasing ingenious defensive features. The moats, in particular, are dry moats dug to cut across the ridge, serving as crucial defensive structures to prevent enemy intrusion.
By observing the layout of the baileys and the structure of the earthworks as you climb, you can truly appreciate how much emphasis was placed on defense in the design of mountain castles during the Sengoku period.
The time required to reach the main keep is approximately 30-40 minutes from the museum. There are places to rest along the way, so you can enjoy the climb at your own pace.
The Townscape of Sagaki
The Sagaki district, which developed as the castle town of Kuniyoshi Castle, retains its historical townscape. The town layout established during the Edo period still remains, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of yesteryear.
Sagaki is dotted with samurai residences and merchant houses, and you can also visit historical sites such as the former town magistrate’s office. A stroll around the museum area will give you an understanding of the castle town that developed in conjunction with the castle.
The townscape retains old stone walls and earthen fences, making it a valuable place to experience the history of Wakasa from the Sengoku period to the Edo period.
Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum
Museum Overview
The Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum, which opened in the spring of 2009, introduces the history of Kuniyoshi Castle and the townscape of Sagaki. The museum is built on the site of the castle lord’s residence and serves as a base for visiting Kuniyoshi Castle.
Inside the museum, the history of Kuniyoshi Castle from its construction to its abandonment, the siege by Awaya Katsuhisa, and its connection to Oda Nobunaga are explained in an easy-to-understand manner through panel displays, excavated artifacts, and video materials.
The museum also has a stamp for the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles, making it a popular destination for castle enthusiasts.
Exhibition Contents
The museum’s exhibits are structured to allow visitors to follow the history of Kuniyoshi Castle in chronological order.
- Construction of the Castle and Awaya Katsuhisa: The circumstances of the castle’s construction in 1556 and the character of Awaya Katsuhisa
- The Battle with the Asakura Clan: Details of the siege during the Eiroku era and the reasons for its reputation as impregnable
- Oda Nobunaga’s Entry into the Castle: Nobunaga’s invasion of Echizen in 1570 and Kuniyoshi Castle
- The Castle’s Structure: Explanation of the mountain castle’s layout and defensive facilities
- Excavated Artifacts: Ceramics, weapons, and daily life tools unearthed during archaeological excavations
- The Townscape of Sagaki: The development of the town castle and the appearance of the town during the Edo period
In particular, the dioramas and videos depicting the battle with the Asakura clan are popular exhibits that allow for a visual understanding of the fighting at the time.
Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
Closed Days: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday), New Year holidays
Admission Fee: 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for elementary and junior high school students (group discounts available)
The museum also sells books, pamphlets, and original goods related to Kuniyoshi Castle. Gaining some background knowledge at the museum before visiting the castle will allow you to understand its history more deeply.
Cultural Property Designation and Evaluation of Kuniyoshi Castle
Selection as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles
In 2017, Kuniyoshi Castle was selected as one of the “Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles” (No. 139) by the Japan Castle Association. This means it was recognized as an important castle, second only to the Top 100 Japanese Castles.
The following points were evaluated as reasons for selection:
- Its history of being an impregnable fortress that repelled repeated invasions by the Echizen Asakura clan
- Its strategic importance as the base for Oda Nobunaga’s headquarters
- The state of preservation of its layout and remains as a mountain castle
- Its historical value due to the presence of stone walls from different periods
- Its value as a comprehensive historical heritage site, including the castle town
With its selection as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles, Kuniyoshi Castle has gained nationwide recognition, and visits from castle enthusiasts and history lovers have increased.
Mihama Town Designated Historic Site
The Kuniyoshi Castle ruins are protected as a town-designated historic site in Mihama Town, Fukui Prefecture. Mihama Town is committed to the preservation and maintenance of the Kuniyoshi Castle ruins, and continuously carries out maintenance such as improving the access road, installing explanatory signs, and mowing the grass.
The town positions Kuniyoshi Castle as a valuable historical heritage site for the region and is also promoting its use as a tourist resource. Through the operation of the historical museum and the holding of regular events, we are widely promoting the charm of Kuniyoshi Castle.
The Taiga Drama “Kirin ga Kuru” and Kuniyoshi Castle
In episode 31, “Flee, Nobunaga,” of the 2020 NHK Taiga drama “Kirin ga Kuru,” Kuniyoshi Castle played an important role.
The drama depicted a scene where Oda Nobunaga fled to Kuniyoshi Castle during his invasion of Echizen in 1570. This broadcast brought Kuniyoshi Castle nationwide attention, and many Taiga drama fans began visiting it as a pilgrimage site.
In conjunction with the Taiga drama broadcast, Mihama Town held special exhibitions and events to provide opportunities for more people to learn about the history of Kuniyoshi Castle.
Access and Visiting Information
Access by Train and Bus
By JR:
- Get off at JR Obama Line “Mihama Station,” then take a taxi for approximately 10 minutes.
- Get off at JR Obama Line “Mihama Station,” then take a rental bicycle for approximately 15 minutes.
Mihama Station has a tourist information center and also offers bicycle rentals. The distance from the station to Kuniyoshi Castle is approximately 4 kilometers.
By Bus:
The Mihama Town Community Bus operates, but the number of services is limited, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Access by Car
Via Hokuriku Expressway:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Tsuruga IC via National Route 27.
- Approximately 15 minutes from Wakasa Mihama IC.
Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum has a free parking lot (approximately 20 regular cars). It can get crowded during peak tourist seasons and weekends, so it is recommended to visit with plenty of time to spare.
Precautions When Visiting the Castle
Kuniyoshi Castle is a full-fledged mountain castle, and the following preparations and precautions are necessary when visiting:
Clothing and Equipment:
- Comfortable walking shoes (trekking shoes recommended)
- Comfortable clothing
- Drinking water (especially in summer)
- Insect repellent (spring to autumn)
- Rain gear (for unstable weather)
-Hat (for sun protection)
Estimated Time Required:
- Museum visit: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Castle ascent (round trip): 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total: Approximately 2 to 3 hours
Other Precautions:
- As it is a mountain castle, the ground can be slippery during and after rain.
- Heatstroke prevention is necessary in summer, and cold weather protection is necessary in winter.
- Cell phone reception is poor in some areas.
- Toilets are available in the museum, but not on the castle trail.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting Kuniyoshi Castle, we recommend also visiting nearby tourist attractions.
Mikata Five Lakes: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Kuniyoshi Castle. A Ramsar Convention-registered wetland, offering beautiful scenery created by five lakes.
Rainbow Line: A toll road offering panoramic views of the Mikata Five Lakes. The view from the mountaintop park is spectacular.
Wakasa Urikiri Famous Water Park: A park featuring Urikiri Falls, selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Waters.
Mihama Town Energy and Environmental Education Experience Center Kiipas: An interactive facility where you can learn about energy.
Wakasa Bay Beaches: Enjoy swimming at these beautiful beaches during the summer.
The Charm and Historical Significance of Kuniyoshi Castle
Role as a Border Castle
The most distinctive feature of Kuniyoshi Castle is its function as a “border castle” between Wakasa Province and Echizen Province. During the Sengoku period, castles built in border areas played an extremely important role as frontline fortresses to stop enemy invasions. Katsuhisa Awaya defended the castle for nearly 10 years with a small force against the overwhelmingly powerful Asakura clan of Echizen. This was only possible because of the castle’s strategically advantageous mountain defenses and the strong unity of the local people.
The history of Kuniyoshi Castle is not only about daimyo and famous warlords, but also about the unity of the local people fighting against external enemies. This is a crucial characteristic that distinguishes Kuniyoshi Castle from many other castles.
Connections with the Three Great Unifiers
Kuniyoshi Castle is a rare castle that has connections to all three great unifiers of the Sengoku and early Edo periods: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
In particular, the episode of Oda Nobunaga choosing Kuniyoshi Castle as his headquarters for his campaign against Echizen and praising Katsuhisa Awaya’s fighting prowess speaks to the castle’s strategic value and Katsuhisa’s bravery. Just imagining how Katsuhisa, who defended a small mountain castle, appeared in the eyes of Nobunaga, who aimed to unify Japan, evokes a sense of historical romance.
Value to Convey to the Modern Age
The Kuniyoshi Castle ruins are a valuable historical heritage site that conveys the appearance of a mountain castle from the Sengoku period. The remains such as stone walls, baileys, and moats convey the castle-building techniques and defensive philosophies of the time.
Furthermore, the historical landscape, integrated with the townscape of the castle town of Sagaki, is important for understanding the relationship between the castle and the lives of the people. The townscape of Sagaki reveals that the castle was not merely a military facility, but also functioned as the center of the local community.
Through preservation and maintenance activities by Mihama Town and information dissemination at the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum, the history and value of Kuniyoshi Castle are being passed on to future generations.
Summary
Kuniyoshi Castle occupies an important position in the history of Japanese castles as an impregnable mountain castle that defended Wakasa Province during the Sengoku period. The unwavering fighting spirit of Awaya Katsuhisa and the value recognized by Oda Nobunaga remain undiminished even after more than 450 years, conveying a valuable lesson from history to us.
Kuniyoshi Castle, selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles and the setting for a historical drama series, is a place worth visiting not only for castle enthusiasts but for anyone interested in history. The spectacular view from the main keep, the stone walls that differ from era to era, and the charming townscape of the town castle will leave visitors deeply impressed.
When visiting Mihama Town in Fukui Prefecture, be sure to stop by the Wakasa Kuniyoshi Castle Historical Museum and climb to the main keep ruins at the mountaintop. There, a historical romance awaits, woven from the spirit of the people who survived the Sengoku period and the beautiful nature of Wakasa.
