Minato Castle, Akita City (Akita Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Highlights, and Access Information
Minato Castle was a flatland castle located in the central area of Tsuchizaki Port in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. From the medieval period to the early modern period, it played an important role as the residence of the Minato Ando clan and later Akita Sanesue. Currently, the Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine stands on the site, and it attracts attention from history enthusiasts and castle fans as a historical site that retains a small trace of its former appearance. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of Minato Castle, including its detailed history, highlights, current state, and access methods.
History of Minato Castle | From the Minato Ando Clan to Akita Sanesue and then to Satake Yoshinobu
The Establishment of the Minato Ando Clan and the Origin of Minato Castle
There are various theories regarding the construction period of Minato Castle, but records indicate that Ando Shikasue entered the area in 1394 (Meitoku 5), becoming the founder of the Minato Ando clan. Shikasue is said to be the younger brother of Ando Morisue, and according to the “Castle System,” he defeated Minato and moved to Minato.
The Minato Ando clan, along with the Hiyama Ando clan, were powerful local families in the Akita region, known as the “Two Ando Families.” The Minato Ando clan was based at Minato Castle, and the Hiyama Ando clan at Hiyama Castle, each forming their own distinct sphere of influence. Sometimes, Wakimoto Castle was added, and these three castles were referred to as the “Three Ando Castles,” occupying an important position in the medieval history of the Akita region.
The Battle of Minato and the Unification of the Two Families
In 1579 (Tensho 7), when Ando Shigesue, the head of the Minato Ando clan, died, the Minato Ando clan was absorbed by Ando Airi (Aiki) of the Hiyama Ando clan. However, upon Airi’s death, Shigeki’s son, Ando Michisue, launched a rebellion with the support of the Tozawa and Onodera clans. This marked the beginning of the “Battle of Minato.”
The Hiyama Ando clan emerged victorious in this battle, and the rebellion was suppressed by Akita Sanesue, who inherited the family headship. As a result of the Battle of Minato, the two Ando families were completely unified, and Sanesue moved his base from Hiyama Castle to Minato Castle.
Major Renovation of Minato Castle by Akita Sanesue
The reasons for Akita Sanesue moving his base to Minato Castle were not only military factors, but also largely related to economic strategy. While Hiyama Castle and Akita Castle were mountain castles, Minato Castle was built as a flatland castle, strategically located to facilitate river transport on the Omono River and maritime transport on the Sea of Japan.
Sanesue undertook a major renovation of Minato Castle, strengthening its function as a trading hub. Tsuchizaki Port has long been an important port for trade on the Sea of Japan and flourished as a port of call for Kitamae ships. Sanesue leveraged this geographical advantage to develop his domain’s management based on economic power.
The Arrival of Satake Yoshinobu and the Demolition of Minato Castle
In 1602 (Keicho 7), following the distribution of rewards after the Battle of Sekigahara, Akita Sanesue was transferred to Shishido in Hitachi Province (present-day Ibaraki Prefecture). In his place, Satake Yoshinobu, who had been transferred from Hitachi Province, took up residence in Dewa Province.
Satake Yoshinobu began construction of Kubota Castle (present-day Senshu Park, Akita City) in 1603 (Keicho 8), and demolished Minato Castle the following year, 1604 (Keicho 9). It is believed that the castle’s structures and stone walls were reused as building materials for Kubota Castle. Thus, Minato Castle closed its doors after approximately 200 years of history, and its site became the town of Tsuchizaki Minato.
Structure and Layout of Minato Castle
Characteristics as a Flatland Castle
Minato Castle was built as a flatland castle and was located on low ground near the sea. It is estimated that the castle grounds were the area of the current Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine and its surroundings. One theory suggests that it was originally located at the current Terauchi-go Castle (a hilltop castle), but it is certain that at least at the time of its destruction by Satake Yoshinobu, it was located on the site of the current Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine.
Scale and Layout of the Castle
Although a detailed layout map does not exist, it is believed that the castle grounds were the area of Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine and the adjacent Tsuchizaki Neighborhood Park. As a flatland castle, it is presumed that its defenses were strengthened with moats and earthen ramparts.
Taking advantage of its location near the mouth of the Omono River, the castle’s structure is thought to have prioritized the convenient transport of goods by water, making it a castle with a stronger character as a political and economic center than as a military base.
Current Status of Remains
Currently, almost no remains of Minato Castle exist. Traces of earthworks and moats have been lost due to urbanization, making it difficult to imagine its former appearance. However, the grounds of Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine and the adjacent Tsuchizaki Neighborhood Park preserve a portion of the castle site, and information boards have been installed.
A steam locomotive (SL) is preserved statically in Tsuchizaki Neighborhood Park, making it a place of relaxation for the local community. Although there are few remains of the castle, it has been developed as a space where one can feel the history.
Highlights of Minato Castle and the Current Situation
Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine
Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine was built on the site of Minato Castle during the Edo period. The shrine continues to be revered as the local guardian deity, and its grounds feature information boards and monuments related to the Minato Ando clan and Akita Sanesue.
The Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine’s annual festival, the “Tsuchizaki Port Festival,” is a traditional festival dating back to the Edo period and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. During the festival, magnificent floats parade through the town, and in recent years, floats featuring motifs related to the Ando clan have also appeared. This festival can be considered a valuable cultural heritage that conveys the history of Minato Castle to the present day.
Tsuchizaki Neighborhood Park and Information Boards
Adjacent to Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine is Tsuchizaki Neighborhood Park, which features detailed information boards about Minato Castle. The history of the Minato Ando clan, the Battle of Minato, the achievements of Akita Sanesue, and the events leading up to its destruction by Satake Yoshinobu are clearly explained, making it an important source of information for visitors to the castle ruins.
The aforementioned steam locomotive is on display in the park, and it is also a popular playground for children. This spot possesses a unique atmosphere, blending the historical space of a castle ruin with a modern recreational area.
Minato Ando Clan Commemorative Monument
A stone monument commemorating the Minato Ando clan stands around the Minato Castle ruins. This monument was erected to pass on the region’s history to future generations, and it inscribes the achievements of the Minato Ando clan and the historical significance of Minato Castle. In an area with few remaining castle structures, this monument serves as valuable evidence of Minato Castle’s existence.
Nearby Historical Spots
Various historical spots that tell the story of Akita City’s history are scattered around the Minato Castle ruins. Kubota Castle Ruins (Senshu Park) is about a 15-minute drive away, where you can see the remains of a castle that flourished as the residence of the Satake clan. Furthermore, the Akita City Red Brick Museum has extensive exhibits on Akita’s history and culture, allowing you to view materials that provide a deeper understanding of Minato Castle’s history.
Furthermore, the townscape of Tsuchizaki Minato retains the atmosphere of an Edo-period port town, allowing you to feel the breath of history just by strolling around.
Location and Detailed Information
Location: 3-chome, Tsuchizakiminato-chuo, Akita City, Akita Prefecture (Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine)
Alternate Name: Tsuchizakiminato Castle
Castle Structure: Flatland Castle
Construction Period: Around 1394 (Meitoku 5)
Builder: Ando Shikasue (Minato Ando Clan)
Main Lords: Minato Ando Clan, Akita Sanesue
Year of Abandonment: 1604 (Keicho 9)
Remains: Almost none (Information boards are located within the grounds of Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine and Tsuchizaki Neighborhood Park)
Designated Cultural Property: None
Jurisdiction: Akita City Hall, Akita City Board of Education
Access Information
Access by Public Transportation
Access on foot from JR Ou Main Line “Tsuchizaki Station”
- Get off at Tsuchizaki Station on the JR Ou Main Line, then walk for about 10 minutes.
- It takes about 5 minutes by train from Akita Station to Tsuchizaki Station.
- It’s easy to find Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine from the station by following the signs.
Access by Bus
- Get off at the “Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine-mae” bus stop on the Akita Chuo Kotsu bus, then a short walk.
- It takes about 20 minutes by bus from Akita Station West Exit.
Access by Car
Access from the Akita Expressway
- It takes about 10 minutes from Akita Kita IC via National Route 7.
- It takes about 15 minutes from Akita Chuo IC.
Parking Information
- There is a parking lot for visitors at Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine (a few spaces).
- During events such as the Tsuchizaki Port Festival, surrounding parking lots become crowded, so using public transportation is recommended.
- There are also several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
Points to Note When Visiting
- Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine is an active shrine, so please observe proper etiquette when visiting.
- Since very few remains are left, it’s best to visit with the intention of enjoying the information boards and the surrounding atmosphere.
- It gets very crowded during the Tsuchizaki Port Festival (around July 20th and 21st), so if you want to visit at a leisurely pace, it’s recommended to go at a different time.
- In winter, there is snow, so take precautions against the cold and be careful of your footing.
Castles related to Minato Castle
Hiyama Castle (Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture)
The base of the Hiyama Ando clan, and one of the “Three Ando Castles” alongside Minato Castle. Boasting strong defenses as a mountain castle, it was the center of the Hiyama Ando clan until Akita Sanesue moved to Minato Castle. Even today, the remains of earthworks and baileys are well-preserved and it is designated as a national historic site.
Wakimoto Castle (Oga City, Akita Prefecture)
Another of the “Three Ando Castles,” a mountain castle built on a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan. It served as an important branch castle of the Ando clan and is currently designated as one of the “Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles.” It boasts magnificent views, and its remains are relatively well-preserved.
Kubota Castle (Akita City, Akita Prefecture)
This was the new residence built by Satake Yoshinobu after he demolished Minato Castle. It is now maintained as Senshu Park, and the corner turret has been restored. Located in the heart of Akita City, it is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
Akita Castle (Akita City, Akita Prefecture)
An ancient fortified castle, from a different era than Minato Castle, but also an important historical site within Akita City. From the Nara period to the Heian period, it functioned as the political and military center of Dewa Province. It is currently maintained as a historical park.
Recommended itinerary for visiting Minato Castle
Half-day course: Minato Castle ruins and a historical walk through Tsuchizaki
- Start from JR Tsuchizaki Station (10-minute walk)
- Visit Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine and Minato Castle ruins (30 minutes)
- Check the information board at Tsuchizaki Neighborhood Park (15 minutes)
- Stroll through the streets of Tsuchizaki Minato (30 minutes)
- Lunch near Tsuchizaki Station
Full-day course: Akita City castle tour
- Morning: Visit Minato Castle ruins
- Travel (15-minute drive)
- Afternoon: Visit Kubota Castle ruins (Senshu Park)
- Learn about history at Akita City Red Brick Museum
- Enjoy local cuisine near Akita Station
Weekend Course: Conquering the Three Castles of Ando
Day 1: Akita City (Minato Castle Ruins, Kubota Castle Ruins)
Day 2: Oga Peninsula (Wakimoto Castle), Noshiro City (Hiyama Castle)
Historical Significance of Minato Castle
Minato Castle played a crucial role as the political and economic center of the Akita region during the transition from the medieval to the early modern period. The shift from a military mountain castle to a flatland castle emphasizing trade symbolized the changing times.
With Akita Sanesue making Minato Castle his base, Tsuchizaki Port further developed as a hub for trade on the Sea of Japan. It flourished as a port of call for Kitamae ships, and trade in rice, timber, and marine products was active. This economic foundation later contributed to the prosperity of the Kubota Domain.
Furthermore, the unification from the Minato Ando clan to the Hiyama Ando clan, and the subsequent transfer of Akita Sanesue and the arrival of the Satake clan, vividly illustrate the end of the Sengoku period and the establishment of the Edo shogunate system. The history of Minato Castle can truly be considered a microcosm of Japanese history.
Summary: The Value of Visiting Minato Castle Ruins
Because very few remains of Minato Castle exist, it may seem at first glance that there is little to see. However, standing in the grounds of Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine and reading the information boards, one can reflect on the past and feel the spirit of the era in which the Minato Ando clan and Akita Sanesue flourished.
The local culture, exemplified by the Tsuchizaki Port Festival, is also deeply intertwined with the history of Minato Castle. The inclusion of themes related to the Ando clan on the festival floats is proof that the local people cherish their own history.
When visiting Akita City, be sure to visit the Minato Castle Ruins. Visiting Kubota Castle along with Minato Castle will give you a deeper understanding of the history of the Satake clan’s arrival in Akita. If you have time, we also recommend visiting Hiyama Castle and Wakimoto Castle to complete your tour of the “Three Castles of Ando.”
Minato Castle may have disappeared from the forefront of history, but its historical significance will never fade. Why not visit the site and reflect on the history of medieval Akita amidst the tranquil atmosphere of Tsuchizaki Shinmei Shrine?
