Complete Guide to Togane Castle (Chiba Prefecture) | A Thorough Explanation of History and Highlights, from the Sengoku Period to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Falconry Palace
Located on the shores of Hachitsuru Lake in Togane City, Chiba Prefecture, Togane Castle is a historical site that played an important role as a representative flatland castle of Kazusa Province during the Sengoku period, and as a base for Tokugawa Ieyasu’s falconry. This article provides a detailed explanation of Togane Castle, from its origins to its current state, structural features, highlights, and access methods.
What is Togane Castle? | Basic Information and Overview
Togane Castle (Togane-jo) was a Japanese castle located on a plateau behind Honzenji Temple on the shores of Hachitsuru Lake in Togane, Togane City, Chiba Prefecture. It is also known as Tokigane Castle, Tokigamine Castle, or Tokimine Castle, and is designated as a Togane City Historic Site.
Castle Size and Location
Togane Castle is a semi-independent hilltop castle boasting a vast scale, approximately 700 meters east-west and 500 meters north-south. Built on a plateau at an elevation of approximately 74 meters and a relative height of approximately 40 meters, it occupied a strategically important position overlooking the surrounding plains.
Located in a hilly area overlooking the present-day Togane city, the view overlooking the beautiful Hachitsuru Lake evokes the imposing presence of the castle at the time. This location served not only as a military defense but also as a crucial transportation hub in Kazusa Province.
Castle Classification and Structure
Former Province Name: Kazusa Province
Classification/Structure: Hilltop Castle
Builder: Sakai Sadataka
Year of Construction: Daiei 1 (1521)
Togane Castle is classified as a hilltop castle, characterized by its layout that skillfully utilizes the plateau’s topography. As can be seen from the detailed structure described later, it possesses a typical Sengoku period castle form with effectively placed dry moats and earthworks.
History of Togane Castle | The Rise and Fall of the Sakai Clan and Tokugawa Ieyasu
The history of Togane Castle can be broadly divided into two periods: the period when it was the residence of the Togane Sakai clan during the Sengoku period and the period when it was Tokugawa Ieyasu’s falconry palace in the early Edo period.
Sengoku Period | As the Main Castle of the Togane Sakai Clan
In 1521 (Daiei 1), the Sengoku warlords Sakai Sadataka and Sakai Takatoshi are said to have moved from Toke Castle to Tama Castle and then to Togane, where they built Togane Castle. The Togane Sakai clan expanded their power in Kazusa Province and used Togane Castle as their main castle until 1590 (Tensho 18).
A particularly noteworthy figure in the lineage of the Togane Sakai clan is Sakai Tanetoshi (Sakai Toshifusa). He defended Higashigane Castle during the Sengoku period and dedicated himself to maintaining the Sakai clan’s power in the region. The Higashigane Sakai clan built their own sphere of influence through their relationships with powerful Sengoku daimyo of the Boso Peninsula, such as the Chiba and Satomi clans.
In 1590, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s siege of Odawara, the Higashigane Sakai clan, who were allied with the Later Hojo clan, were dispossessed of their domain during the time of their last lord, Sakai Taneharu, and Higashigane Castle was abandoned. This marked the end of the Higashigane Sakai clan’s rule, which had lasted for approximately 70 years.
Early Edo Period | To Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Higashigane Palace
Although Higashigane Castle had been abandoned, it became a new stage in history during the Edo period. In 1614, Tokugawa Ieyasu modified a part of Higashigane Castle to construct the Higashigane Palace as lodging for his falconry expeditions.
Ieyasu was fond of falconry and, to take advantage of the rich natural environment of Kazusa Province, he had the Onari Kaido road constructed from Edo to Togane. This road is the root of the current National Route 126, and Togane flourished as a post town and a center for the collection and distribution of goods. It is said that at the time it was so bustling that it was called “the golden town of Kazusa.”
Ieyasu stayed at the Togane Palace twice, in 1614 and 1616. The falconry expedition in 1616 was Ieyasu’s last, and he died at Sunpu Castle in April of the same year.
The Togane Palace continued to be used for falconry expeditions by the Shogun’s family, and in 1624, the second Shogun Tokugawa Hidetada visited, followed by the third Shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1633. However, the palace was demolished during the Kanbun era (1661-1673), bringing its history to an end.
Structure and Layout of Togane Castle | Characteristics of Sengoku Period Mountain Castles
Togane Castle is characterized by its layout, which made maximum use of the semi-isolated hill terrain. Within its vast grounds, approximately 700 meters east-west and 500 meters north-south, multiple baileys (kuruma) and defensive structures were arranged.
Main Structural Elements
Dry Moats: Dry moats were the key to Togane Castle’s defense. These moats, not filled with water, prevented enemy intrusion and restricted their movement. Even today, some remains of the dry moats can be seen, giving a glimpse into their scale at the time.
Earthworks: Earthworks were built around the baileys, enhancing their defensive capabilities. These earthworks, constructed by piling up earth, were important structures protecting the castle from enemy arrows and firearms.
Layout of Enclosures: It is believed that multiple enclosures were arranged in a stepped pattern around the main enclosure. Each enclosure was separated by dry moats and steep slopes, creating a multi-layered defensive structure.
Utilization of Plateau Topography
The plateau on which Higashigane Castle was built was approximately 40 meters higher than the surrounding plains, functioning as a natural stronghold. The edge of the plateau had steep slopes, which themselves functioned as defensive structures. Utilizing such terrain was a typical castle construction method in the Kanto region during the Sengoku period.
When Higashigane Palace was constructed, some of the castle facilities from the Sengoku period were modified, and flat land suitable for palace construction was created. However, it is believed that the basic methods of utilizing the terrain were preserved.
Highlights of Higashigane Castle | Remaining Ruins and Surrounding Historical Sites
The current Higashigane Castle site contains scattered remains and related historical sites that retain the atmosphere of the Sengoku period and the early Edo period. However, since the main part of the castle site is private property, there are restrictions on visiting. ### Current Status of the Castle Ruins
The area around the main keep of Togane Castle is currently privately owned, and the official Togane City guide states that visiting is prohibited. While there is an information board at the entrance to the castle grounds, and the gate is sometimes removed, unauthorized entry should be avoided.
From the area around the information board, you can view the plateau topography and the scenery of Hachitsuru Lake, giving you an understanding of the castle’s former location. According to reviews on the “Kojodan” (Castle Enthusiasts’ Group) website, the average visit time is about 15 minutes, mainly consisting of viewing from the outside.
Togane Palace Ruins | Chiba Prefectural Togane High School
The site of the Togane Palace, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, is now home to Chiba Prefectural Togane High School. This school is a traditional institution with over 100 years of history, and for a long time supported local education as a girls’ high school.
While a stone monument and explanatory plaque marking the Togane Palace ruins were installed on the high school grounds during the Showa era, general access is restricted due to it being school property. Viewing the school building from the outside allows one to imagine the landscape of the plateau where the palace once stood.
Tozenji Temple | The Sakai Clan’s Family Temple
Tozenji Temple, adjacent to the ruins of Togane Castle, is an important historical site as the family temple of the Togane Sakai clan. Within the temple grounds remain Hokyoin-to pagodas and memorial towers of the Sakai family, lords of Togane Castle, allowing visitors to reflect on the history of the Sakai clan.
The temple gate of Tozenji Temple is a magnificent structure, testifying to the former power of the Sakai clan. The temple still functions as a place of worship, offering a tranquil atmosphere for historical exploration. When visiting Togane Castle, we highly recommend visiting Tozenji Temple and paying your respects at the Sakai clan’s memorial towers.
Hachitsuru Lake | A Scenic Spot Associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu
Hachitsuru Lake, spread out below Higashigane Castle, is an artificial lake created in 1614 (Keicho 19) by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, by damming what was originally a valley rice paddy. It was created as part of the landscape improvement for Ieyasu’s falconry expeditions.
Today, Hachitsuru Lake is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and in spring, it is bustling with many flower viewers. A promenade is maintained along the lakeshore, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll while looking up at the plateau of Higashigane Castle ruins. The contrast between the cherry blossoms reflected on the lake’s surface and the green of the plateau is a representative landscape of Higashigane.
Honzenji Temple and Surrounding Temples and Shrines
Honzenji Temple, located behind the Higashigane Castle ruins, is also an important temple in telling the history of Higashigane. Several temples and shrines are scattered around the castle ruins, giving a sense of the remnants of the former castle town.
Visiting these temples and shrines will give you a comprehensive understanding of the historical changes in Togane from the Sengoku period to the Edo period.
Access and Visiting Guide to Togane Castle
This section provides detailed information on transportation, travel time, and surrounding area when visiting the Togane Castle ruins.
Access by Public Transportation
JR East Togane Line “Togane Station” is the nearest station. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Togane Station to the Togane Castle ruins information board.
- From Tokyo, take the JR Sobu Main Line to Chiba Station, then transfer to the JR Sotobo Line to Oami Station. From Oami Station, take the JR Togane Line to Togane Station.
- The journey takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours from Tokyo Station.
From Togane Station to the castle ruins, it’s easiest to walk towards Hachitsuru Lake. Once you reach the lakeside, head towards the plateau to the north, and you’ll arrive at the information board.
Access by Car
The Togane area, where the Chiba-Togane Expressway and the Ken-O Expressway intersect, is easily accessible by car.
- Approximately 5 minutes from the Togane Interchange on the Chiba-Togane Expressway
- Approximately 5 minutes from the Togane Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway
Parking is available at public parking lots around Hachitsuru Lake, but there is no dedicated parking lot at the castle ruins themselves. It is common to park your car by Hachitsuru Lake and walk towards the castle ruins.
Points to Note During Your Visit
- Restrictions on Entry: As mentioned above, the main part of the castle ruins is on private property and is not accessible to visitors. Please limit your visit to the area around the information board.
- Estimated Time Required: Visiting only the area around the information board takes about 15 minutes. If you include exploring the surrounding area, including Tozenji Temple and Hachitsuru Lake, allow 1-2 hours.
- Season: During cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Hachitsuru Lake is beautiful and bustling with tourists. If you prefer a quieter visit, we recommend going on weekdays or outside of cherry blossom season.
- Attire: While the area around the information board is paved, comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the surrounding area.
Nearby Tourist Spots
When visiting the Higashigane Castle Ruins, you can enjoy a more fulfilling historical walk by also visiting the following nearby spots.
- Hachitsuru Lake: A famous cherry blossom viewing spot, perfect for strolling along the walking path.
- Tozenji Temple: The Sakai clan’s memorial tower and temple gate.
- Honzenji Temple: A temple adjacent to the castle ruins.
- Togane Onari Kaido Road: Remnants of the road developed by Ieyasu.
- Saifukuji Temple: An ancient temple in Togane City.
Togane Castle and Related Castles | Kazusa Province Castle Network
Understanding Togane Castle requires knowing its relationship to surrounding related castles. The Togane Sakai clan expanded their power by using multiple castles as bases.
Toke Castle
This castle was originally the base of the Togane Sakai clan and is located in Toke-cho, Midori-ku, Chiba City. The Sakai clan moved from Toke Castle to Tama Castle before finally making Togane Castle their main castle. Toke Castle was also an important castle during the Sengoku period, and its remains still exist today as the Toke Castle Ruins.
Tama Castle
This castle served as a transit point when the Togane Sakai clan moved from Toke Castle to Togane Castle. Tama is located in present-day Tama, Togane City, near Togane Castle. The move from Tama Castle to Togane Castle was a significant event in the Sakai clan’s expansion of power.
Surrounding Sengoku Castles
Besides Togane Castle, many other Sengoku period castles existed in Kazusa Province. Castles of powerful daimyo such as the Chiba and Satomi clans, as well as castles of local lords, were scattered throughout the area, forming a complex network of powers. Togane Castle occupied an important position within this network of castles in Kazusa Province.
Togane Castle Evaluation and Reviews | Voices of Castle Fans
According to data from Kojodan, the average evaluation of Togane Castle by 102 castle enthusiasts nationwide is 2.33. This is likely influenced by the limited state of remaining structures and the ease of visiting the site.
From Visitor Reviews
The following comments can be found from reviews by people who have actually visited the site:
- “There are information boards, but access to the main castle site is restricted, so we could only view it from the outside.”
- “The Sakai family memorial tower at Tozenji Temple was impressive and gave a real sense of history.”
- “The view from Hachitsuru Lake was beautiful, and I understood the castle’s excellent location.”
- “The site of the Togane Palace is now a high school, making it difficult to imagine its former glory, but I learned about its history from the information boards.”
The short average visit time of 15 minutes is due to restrictions on access to the main remains, but a more fulfilling visit is possible if you include the surrounding related historical sites.
Photo Spots
47 photos have been posted to Kojodan (Castle Enthusiasts Group), and the main photo spots are as follows:
- Castle Ruins Information Board
- View of the Plateau from Hachitsuru Lake
- Main Gate and Memorial Tower of Tozenji Temple
- Exterior of Togane High School (Palace Site)
- Remains of the surrounding dry moat (where verifiable)
History and Culture of Togane City | From Castle Town to Modern Times
When discussing the history of Togane Castle, the development of Togane City itself cannot be overlooked.
Prosperity in the Edo Period
With the development of the Onari Kaido road by Tokugawa Ieyasu, Togane rapidly developed as a post town. Many wholesalers of seafood and other goods gathered there, and it became so bustling that it was called “Kogane-machi of Kazusa“. This prosperity can be said to have laid the foundation for present-day Togane City.
Changes Since the Meiji Era
With the abolition of the feudal domains and establishment of prefectures in 1873 (Meiji 6), Togane became part of Chiba Prefecture. Following the establishment of the town and village system, eight towns and villages were created, and through mergers in the Showa era, the current Togane City was formed.
Modern-Day Togane City
Togane City is located in the central-eastern part of Chiba Prefecture, with a topography consisting of hills to the north and the Kujukuri Plain to the south. It continues to develop as a transportation hub where the Chiba-Togane Expressway and the Ken-O Expressway intersect, and as a core city in the Kujukuri region.
Summary | Historical Value and Future Preservation of Togane Castle
Togane Castle is a historical heritage site with two faces: it functioned for approximately 70 years as the residence of the Togane Sakai clan during the Sengoku period, and later served as a falconry residence for Tokugawa Ieyasu, thus having ties to the Edo Shogunate.
Currently, access to the main remains is restricted, but by visiting related historical sites such as Tozenji Temple, Hachitsuru Lake, and the Togane Palace Ruins (Togane High School), one can gain a comprehensive understanding of Togane Castle’s history.
It is hoped that the preservation and utilization of the castle ruins will continue to be carried out appropriately with the cooperation of local residents, the government, and history enthusiasts. As a designated historical site of Togane City and a regional historical heritage site, it is important to pass on the value of Togane Castle to future generations.
When visiting Togane, we highly recommend visiting the ruins of Togane Castle and related historical sites, and reflecting on the history of Kazusa Province from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. You can enjoy a historical stroll along with the beautiful scenery of Hachitsuru Lake.
