Yuzawa Castle (Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture) Complete Guide: History, Remains, and Access Information
What is Yuzawa Castle?
Yuzawa Castle is a medieval mountain castle built on Mt. Furudate in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. Currently, it is maintained as Yuzawa Central Park and designated as a Yuzawa City Historic Site. The main enclosure is located on the mountaintop at an altitude of approximately 220 meters, and the castle complex boasts a size of approximately 400 meters east-west and 650 meters north-south. It functioned as an important base in southern Dewa Province for approximately 400 years, from the Kamakura period to the early Edo period.
The most distinctive feature of Yuzawa Castle is that it developed as the residence of the Onodera clan and became the base of a powerful daimyo (feudal lord) who controlled Ogachi and Hiraka districts during the Sengoku period (Warring States period). The Onodera clan, who had their base at Inaniwa Castle, moved their base to the more convenient Yuzawa Castle, making it the political and military center of the region.
History of Yuzawa Castle
From Construction to the Era of the Onodera Clan
Yuzawa Castle is believed to have been built in 1227 (Antei 1). It is said that Onodera Tsunemichi, who entered Ogachi District during the Kamakura period, made Inaniwa Castle his base, and his third son, Onodera Michisada, built Yuzawa Castle as a way to control the southern region. However, there is insufficient historical evidence to support many aspects of the Onodera clan’s lineage and achievements, leaving many details unclear.
Initially functioning as a subsidiary castle of Inaniwa Castle, Yuzawa Castle’s importance increased as the Onodera clan’s power expanded from the Muromachi period to the Sengoku period. Especially during the Sengoku period, the Onodera clan grew into a powerful daimyo ruling over Ogachi and Hiraka districts, and Yuzawa Castle effectively became their base.
Battles in the Sengoku Period
In 1593 (Bunroku 2), Yuzawa Castle faced a critical turning point. Mogami Yoshiaki of Yamagata Province began his invasion of Ogachi District, forcing the Onodera clan into fierce battles. During this period, Yuzawa Castle was placed on the front lines of the conflict with the Mogami clan, and its defensive capabilities as a fortress were put to the test.
Mogami Yoshiaki clashed with the Onodera clan over control of southern Dewa Province, resulting in repeated military clashes. Yuzawa Castle served as a crucial stronghold for the Onodera clan, a vital defense against the Mogami invasion, but ultimately, the Onodera clan lost power.
The Satake Clan Era and the Castle’s Abandonment
In 1602 (Keicho 7), following the changes in daimyo assignments after the Battle of Sekigahara, Satake Yoshinobu was transferred from Hitachi Province to Dewa Province. Consequently, Yuzawa Castle also came under the control of the Satake clan. The Satake clan positioned Yuzawa Castle as an important subsidiary castle, stationing family members and important retainers there.
However, in 1615 (Genna 1), the Tokugawa shogunate issued the “One Castle Per Province” decree, resulting in the abandonment of Yuzawa Castle. This decree allowed each domain to have only one castle, and the Satake clan designated Kubota Castle (Akita Castle) as their main castle, with Yuzawa Castle and other subsidiary castles being demolished. Although the castle lost its function as a fortress after its abandonment, the castle ruins were preserved as a historical heritage site for the region.
Overview
The Yuzawa Castle ruins are now a popular park for citizens, known as Yuzawa Central Park. It was a mountain castle that skillfully utilized the natural terrain of Mount Furudate, with a structure featuring multiple baileys arranged around the main enclosure. From the castle ruins, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Yuzawa city, making it easy to understand why the former lords chose this location as a strategic stronghold.
The Yuzawa Castle ruins, protected as a designated historical site of Yuzawa City, retain well-preserved remains such as earthworks and baileys, conveying the characteristics of castles from the medieval to early modern periods. Known as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, it’s a place where you can enjoy both historical walks and nature appreciation.
Changes in Founders and Lords
Founder: Onodera Michisada (1227)
Main Lords:
- Onodera clan (Kamakura period to Azuchi-Momoyama period)
- Satake clan family and senior retainers (early Edo period)
Year of Construction: 1227 (Antei 1)
Year of Abandonment: 1615 (Genna 1)
Structure
Yuzawa Castle is a mountain castle that makes maximum use of the terrain of Mt. Furudate, with the main bailey (main enclosure) located on the mountaintop at an altitude of approximately 220 meters. The castle measures approximately 400 meters east-west and 650 meters north-south, making it a considerably large castle for a medieval mountain castle.
Main Enclosure Layout
Honmaru (Main Enclosure): Located at the mountaintop, this was the central area where the lord’s residence and command post were located. It was surrounded by earthen ramparts to enhance its defensive capabilities.
Ninokuruwa (Second Enclosure): Located north of the Honmaru, this was an important enclosure for defending the Honmaru. It is believed to have housed the residences of retainers and barracks.
Baba (Rider’s Training Ground): Located southeast of the Honmaru, this flat area was used for military training and horse training. It also functioned as a troop assembly point in emergencies.
Mitoridai (Watchtower): Located northwest of the Honmaru, this was an important facility for monitoring surrounding movements. Its position overlooking the Yuzawa Basin allowed for early detection of approaching enemies.
Defensive Structures
Yuzawa Castle’s defenses consisted primarily of natural terrain and earthworks and dry moats constructed through civil engineering. Stone walls were not used, preserving the typical structure of a medieval mountain castle.
Earthworks: These were earthen defensive walls built around each enclosure, and many sections remain clearly visible today. Their height varied depending on the location, but they are estimated to have reached a maximum of 3-4 meters.
Dry Moats: These moats separated the enclosures and were dug to prevent enemy intrusion. They were dry moats, and parts of them can still be seen as part of the terrain.
Cut Slopes: These were defensive structures created by artificially cutting into natural slopes to make them steep, serving to make ascent difficult for enemies.
Power Water
At the Yuzawa Castle site, the remains of a well called “Power Water” remain, making it an important historical site that tells the story of the castle. This well served as a vital water source within the castle, playing an extremely important role not only as a source of water for daily life during peacetime but also as a lifeline during sieges. There are several theories regarding the origin of the name “Chikara-mizu” (Power Water), but the most plausible one is based on the legend that drinking this water would give one strength. During the Sengoku period (Warring States period), when sieges dragged on, soldiers are said to have drunk the water from this well to boost their morale and continue fighting.
Securing a water source was a matter of life and death for mountain castles, and it is believed that the stable water source like this Chikara-mizu was one of the reasons why Yuzawa Castle was able to function as an important base for such a long period. The well remains are still preserved today and are one of the points of interest for visitors to the castle ruins.
Local Information
Location and Access
Location: Furudate-cho, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture (within Yuzawa Central Park)
Access by Train:
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Ou Main Line “Yuzawa Station”
- Approximately 1.2 kilometers from Yuzawa Station to Yuzawa Central Park
Access by Car:
- Approximately 10 minutes from Yuzawa IC on the Yuzawa-Yokote Expressway
- Accessible from National Route 13
Parking: Free parking available at Yuzawa Central Park (approximately 50 spaces)
Visiting Information
Visiting Hours: Open all day (As it is maintained as Yuzawa Central Park, you can freely stroll around)
Admission Fee: Free
Estimated Time Required: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to leisurely view the entire castle ruins
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (mid-April to early May): Enjoy cherry blossom viewing and strolling through the castle ruins at the same time. Autumn (October-November): The autumn foliage is beautiful, and the weather is ideal for strolling.
- In winter, snow can be present, so caution is needed when walking.
Points of Interest
Main Enclosure Ruins: Located at the mountaintop, this is a spectacular viewpoint offering panoramic views of Yuzawa city. You can experience the same scenery that the former lord of the castle gazed upon.
Earthwork Remains: The earthworks remaining around each enclosure are valuable relics for understanding the defensive structure of a medieval mountain castle.
Power Water (Well Remains): The remains of the water source, which was the lifeline of the castle, are an important relic that tells the history of sieges.
Information Boards: Information boards are installed throughout the castle ruins, allowing you to learn about the history and structure of Yuzawa Castle.
Nearby Tourist Facilities
Inaniwa Castle: This castle was originally the base of the Onodera clan, and is a historical site worth visiting to understand its relationship with Yuzawa Castle. Approximately 20 minutes by car from Yuzawa city center.
Yuzawa City Local History Learning Materials Exhibition Facility: This facility displays historical materials related to the region, including Yuzawa Castle, allowing visitors to learn more about Yuzawa’s history.
Koyasu Gorge: A natural scenic spot in Yuzawa City, it’s a popular tourist destination often visited in conjunction with a tour of the castle ruins.
Cultural Property Designation of Yuzawa Castle
The Yuzawa Castle ruins are officially protected as a Yuzawa City designated historical site. This designation ensures the preservation and maintenance of the castle ruins, promoting efforts to pass on this historical heritage to future generations.
With the city’s cultural property designation, permission is required for any alteration of the remains, establishing a legal basis to protect the castle ruins from uncontrolled development. Furthermore, improvements are being made to ensure visitors can safely and comfortably enjoy the historical site, including the installation of explanatory signs and the development of walking paths.
Yuzawa City has also created a pamphlet about the Yuzawa Castle ruins, which is available at the city hall and tourist information centers. This pamphlet contains detailed information about the castle’s history, structure, and highlights, and it is recommended to obtain one before your visit.
Remains of Yuzawa Castle
The main remains of Yuzawa Castle today are as follows:
Earthworks: The earthen defensive walls surrounding each enclosure remain in good condition. The earthworks around the main enclosure are particularly clear, and their height and width allow us to imagine the defensive structure of the time.
Enclosures: The topography of multiple enclosures, including the main enclosure, second enclosure, horse training ground, and watchtower, can still be seen. While each flat area has been developed into a park, it retains the layout from the castle era.
Cut Slopes: The steep slopes between enclosures remain as artificially carved cut slopes, important remains demonstrating the defensive techniques of medieval mountain castles.
Well Remains (Rikimizu): The remains of a well used as a water source within the castle are preserved.
Dry Moats: Traces of dry moats remain as topographical features between some enclosures, allowing us to confirm the defensive lines.
These remains, while lacking prominent structures such as stone walls or keeps, are valuable historical assets that convey the typical appearance of a mountain castle from the medieval to early modern period.
The Onodera Clan and Yuzawa Castle
The existence of the Onodera clan is indispensable when discussing the history of Yuzawa Castle. The Onodera clan was a family said to be descended from the Fujiwara Hokke (Northern Fujiwara clan), and they ruled the region for approximately 400 years, from their entry into Ogachi District in Dewa Province during the Kamakura period until the Sengoku period.
After Onodera Tsunemichi established his control over Ogachi District with Inaniwa Castle as his base, his third son, Michisada, built Yuzawa Castle, making it a defensive base to the south. Initially, it was positioned as a subsidiary castle of Inaniwa Castle, but its importance increased over time.
During the Sengoku period, the Onodera clan grew into a powerful daimyo, ruling over two districts, Ogachi and Hiraka, and at its peak, boasted a power of approximately 30,000 koku. During this period, Yuzawa Castle functioned as the de facto base and became the political and military center.
However, in the 1590s, conflict with Mogami Yoshiaki intensified, and the Onodera clan gradually found themselves at a disadvantage. After the Battle of Sekigahara, the Onodera clan was dispossessed of their domain and forced to leave the Ogachi region, which they had ruled for many years. With the Onodera clan’s departure, Yuzawa Castle came under the control of the newly appointed Satake clan.
Yuzawa Castle under the Satake Clan
In 1602, Satake Yoshinobu, who was transferred from Hitachi Province to Dewa Province, established Kubota Castle (Akita Castle) as his base, while placing family members and important retainers in key locations within his territory. Yuzawa Castle was positioned as one of these important strongholds and functioned as a branch castle of the Satake clan.
The Satake clan appointed a castle lord to Yuzawa Castle, strengthening their southern defenses. Yuzawa Castle, located near the border with powerful neighboring forces such as the Mogami and Date clans, held significant military importance.
However, the Satake clan ruled Yuzawa Castle for only 13 years. Following the 1615 “One Castle Per Province” decree, the shogunate adopted a policy of allowing only one castle per domain, and the Satake clan was ordered to abolish all castles except Kubota Castle. Thus, Yuzawa Castle closed its doors after approximately 400 years of history.
Yuzawa City and Yuzawa Castle
Yuzawa City is located in the southeasternmost part of Akita Prefecture, bordering Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures. It has long developed as a strategic point in the southern part of the Yokote Basin, nestled between the Ou Mountains and the Dewa Mountains.
The name Yuzawa is said to originate from the meaning of a stream where abundant hot springs (yu) gush forth, and it has long been known as a hot spring resort. In the Middle Ages, Yuzawa Castle was built, taking advantage of this geographical location, and it became the political and military center of the region.
Present-day Yuzawa City is a tourist destination known for Inaniwa udon noodles, Kawatsura lacquerware, and Koyasu Gorge hot springs, and the Yuzawa Castle ruins are positioned as one of its historical tourist resources. Located on Mount Furudate, adjacent to the city center, the Yuzawa Castle ruins have been developed into a central park, a place of relaxation for citizens, creating a space where history and modernity coexist.
Summary
Yuzawa Castle was a mountain castle that functioned as an important base in southern Dewa Province for approximately 400 years, from the Kamakura period to the early Edo period. Built as a branch castle of the Onodera clan, it later developed into the headquarters of a Sengoku daimyo (feudal lord) and ultimately witnessed a turbulent history until its abandonment due to the “One Castle Per Province” decree.
Currently, it is maintained as Yuzawa Central Park, and the remains such as earthworks, baileys, and water fountains are preserved in good condition. It is protected as a Yuzawa City designated historical site and is passed down to future generations as a valuable historical asset of the region.
Located within walking distance of JR Yuzawa Station and offering free admission, this historical site is a must-visit when exploring southern Akita Prefecture. Why not experience the atmosphere of a medieval mountain castle while enjoying the cherry blossoms in spring or the autumn foliage?
