Kitame Castle (Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture) Complete Guide | The Phantom Castle that Became Date Masamune’s Base at Sekigahara
What is Kitame Castle?
Kitame Castle was a flatland castle located in Koriyama 4-chome, Taihaku-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. Although urbanization has progressed and very few remains today, it was once an important base where Date Masamune resided around the time of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Although it was only for a short period before he moved to Sendai Castle, it played an extremely important role in Masamune’s military strategy, making it a historically valuable castle site.
Kitame Castle was situated on a natural levee approximately 9 meters above sea level, and was a vast flatland castle covering approximately 128,000 square meters. The area around the “Kano-mata” intersection on National Route 4 Bypass corresponds to the former castle grounds, and it is located approximately 1.5 kilometers southeast of Nagamachi Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line, about a 15-20 minute walk.
History of Kitame Castle
The Awano Clan Era
There are various theories regarding the construction date of Kitame Castle, but the most widely accepted theory is that it was built by the Awano clan during the Kansho era (1460-1466). The Awano clan was a local powerful family that survived the Sengoku period, and during the Tensho era (1573-1591), Awano Daizen served as the lord of Kitame Castle.
The Awano clan served as vassals of the Date clan and were entrusted with governing this region. Kitame Castle functioned as a defensive base, taking advantage of its topography on a natural levee between the Natori River and the Hirose River, and played an important role in controlling a strategic point in the southern part of the Sendai Plain.
The Yashiro Clan’s Entry
After the Awano clan, Yashiro Kageyubei entered Kitame Castle. The Yashiro clan were also important retainers of the Date clan and were warriors who enjoyed Masamune’s trust. It is believed that during the time the Yashiro clan served as lords of Kitame Castle, it was further developed as a base for the Date clan’s southern defenses.
As Date Masamune’s Residence
Kitame Castle first appears on the historical stage around the time of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. During this period, Date Masamune, amidst the tense relationship with Uesugi Kagekatsu, chose Kitame Castle as a military base.
Masamune’s reason for choosing Kitame Castle as his residence lies in its strategic location. At the time, the Uesugi clan was based in Aizu, and the Sendai Plain was the front line against the Uesugi forces. Kitame Castle is located in the southern part of the Sendai Plain, making it an ideal location for monitoring and preventing the Uesugi forces from advancing south.
During the Battle of Sekigahara, the conflict between Date Masamune and Uesugi Kagekatsu intensified in the Tohoku region. Masamune belonged to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s Eastern Army and established Kitame Castle as his base in preparation for battle against the Uesugi forces. During this period, Kitame Castle functioned not merely as a residence, but as a command center for military operations.
After the Battle of Sekigahara ended in a Tokugawa victory and the situation stabilized, Masamune began construction of Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle) around 1601. Upon completion of Sendai Castle, Masamune moved from Kitame Castle, and Kitame Castle was subsequently abandoned.
Kitame Castle After Abandonment
The year of abandonment is estimated to be the late Keicho period (around 1601-1615). After Masamune moved to Sendai Castle, Kitame Castle rapidly disappeared from the historical stage. Throughout the Edo period, the castle site was used for farmland and residential areas, and the topography was further altered by urban development after the Meiji Restoration.
Structure and Layout of Kitame Castle
Location and Topography
Kitame Castle was built on a natural levee in an alluvial plain between the Natori River and the Hirose River. Although located on low ground at an elevation of approximately 9 meters, its slightly elevated position compared to the surrounding plain enhanced its defensive capabilities.
The castle grounds extended approximately 400 meters east-west and 320 meters north-south, boasting a vast area of approximately 128,000 square meters. This scale indicates that Kitame Castle was not merely the residence of a local lord, but functioned as a base for the powerful daimyo Date Masamune.
Discovery of the Shoji-bori Moat
A notable feature of Kitame Castle’s remains is the shoji-bori moat, discovered during archaeological excavations. A shoji-bori moat is a special type of moat with a grid-like earthen embankment at the bottom, designed to hinder enemy lateral movement and enhance defensive capabilities.
Shoji-bori (a type of moat with a screen-like structure) was an advanced castle construction technique adopted by powerful daimyo such as the Hojo and Tokugawa clans from the late Sengoku period to the early modern period. The discovery of shoji-bori at Kitame Castle indicates that this castle incorporated the latest technology of the early modern period. It is believed that the latest defensive techniques were introduced during the time when Date Masamune resided there.
Moat Remains and Enclosure Layout
Excavation surveys have confirmed the presence of multiple moat remains. These moats formed the castle’s defensive line and demarcated multiple enclosures (kuruma). Despite being a flatland castle, the skillful placement of moats and earthworks achieved a high level of defense.
While the detailed layout of the enclosures has not been fully determined due to urbanization, the results of the excavation surveys suggest the existence of major enclosures such as the main keep, second enclosure, and third enclosure.
Excavated Artifacts
Numerous valuable artifacts have been unearthed from the Kitame Castle site. Of particular note is the lacquerware bearing the Date clan’s family crest, the “Mitsubikiryōmon” (three parallel lines). This discovery is important as physical evidence that Kitame Castle was indeed the residence of Date Masamune.
In addition, a variety of artifacts that tell the story of life at the time, such as ceramics, roof tiles, iron products, and wooden products, have been unearthed, contributing to the elucidation of the true nature of Kitame Castle. These unearthed artifacts are being stored and studied by the Sendai City Board of Education and other organizations.
Highlights of Kitame Castle
Current Situation
The current Kitame Castle site is completely urbanized, and unfortunately, very few visible remains remain. Due to the development of the National Route 4 bypass and surrounding roads, and the construction of residential areas, it is difficult to imagine the former appearance of the castle.
However, information boards have been installed in part of the castle site, indicating that this was once the residence of Date Masamune. Visiting the site while reflecting on history is meaningful.
Location of the Information Board
The information board for Kitame Castle is located near the intersection with National Route 4. It’s a small sign and easy to miss, but you can find it by carefully searching around the “Shikanomata” intersection. The board concisely describes the history of Kitame Castle and its relationship with Date Masamune.
If accessing on foot from Nagamachi Station, head southeast from the station, pass through the residential area, and head towards National Route 4. You will reach the information board in approximately 15-20 minutes on foot.
Surrounding Historical Environment
The area around the Kitame Castle ruins is located in the Koriyama district of southern Sendai City, a region that has flourished as a transportation hub since ancient times. Even today, it remains a key transportation point with major roads intersecting, reflecting its former strategic importance.
While a modern urban landscape unfolds with a commercial area centered around Nagamachi Station, the history of Kitame Castle lies dormant beneath. Archaeological excavations are conducted intermittently, and further discoveries are expected.
Access Information
Access by Public Transportation
Using the JR Tohoku Main Line
- Nearest Station: JR Nagamachi Station
- Walking distance from the station: Approximately 15-20 minutes (approximately 1.1-1.5 kilometers)
- Exit from the southeast exit of Nagamachi Station, walk through the residential area towards National Route 4.
Using the Sendai Subway
- Get off at Nagamachi Station or Nagamachi-itchome Station on the Subway Namboku Line
- Walking distance from the station: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Access by Car
- Near the “Kano-mata” intersection on the National Route 4 bypass
- Approximately 5 minutes from the Nagamachi IC on the Sendai Southern Expressway
- Approximately 15 minutes from the Sendai Minami IC on the Tohoku Expressway
Notes
- There is no dedicated parking lot.
- Street parking is strictly prohibited as the surrounding area is entirely residential and commercial.
- Please use nearby coin-operated parking lots.
Points to Note When Visiting
- Almost no remains remain: Due to urbanization, there are no visible remains above ground. Visiting will be limited to checking the information boards.
- Consideration for residential areas: The area around the castle ruins is a residential area. Please be considerate of the residents and visit quietly.
- Small information board: The sign is small and located along the national highway, so be careful not to miss it.
- Check the sidewalk: Traffic is heavy around National Route 4, so please walk safely on the sidewalk.
- Excavation information: Excavations may be underway depending on the time of year. It is recommended to check the latest information on the Sendai City Board of Education website.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle) Ruins
The base of Date Masamune, who moved from Kitame Castle. A representative tourist spot in Sendai City, highlights include the equestrian statue of Masamune, the stone walls, and the reconstructed Otemon side turret. In conjunction with your visit to Kitame Castle, a historical walk tracing Masamune’s footsteps is highly recommended.
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from Kitame Castle Ruins
- Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City
Sendai City Museum
A museum where you can learn about the history of the Date clan and the Sendai Domain. Documents and artifacts related to Kitame Castle are sometimes on display. A must-visit facility for a deeper understanding of Sendai’s history.
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from Kitame Castle Ruins
- 26 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku, Sendai City
Mutsu Kokubunji Temple Ruins & Mutsu Kokubun-niji Temple Ruins
The ruins of an ancient temple built during the Nara period. You can learn about Sendai’s history from an even earlier era than Kitame Castle.
- Approximately 10 minutes by car from Kitame Castle Ruins
- Kinoshita/Shirahagi-cho, Wakabayashi-ku, Sendai City
Nagamachi Shopping Street
A shopping street spreading around Nagamachi Station. You can stop by before or after your visit to Kitame Castle to enjoy local cuisine and shopping.
Kitame Castle and Date Masamune’s Strategy
Situation Before and After the Battle of Sekigahara
In 1600, just before the decisive Battle of Sekigahara, the Tohoku region was in a state of tension. Uesugi Kagekatsu of Aizu was a powerful daimyo on the Toyotomi side and was in conflict with Tokugawa Ieyasu. Date Masamune decided to side with Ieyasu and prepared for battle against the Uesugi forces.
For Masamune, stopping the southward advance of the Uesugi forces was his top priority. Therefore, he chose Kitame Castle, located in the southern part of the Sendai Plain and close to Uesugi territory, as his base.
Function as a Military Base
Kitame Castle served the following functions before and after the Battle of Sekigahara:
- Military Command Center: Masamune himself was stationed there and commanded military operations.
- Logistical Base: A collection point for provisions and weapons.
- Intelligence Gathering Base: Monitoring the movements of the Uesugi forces.
- Defense Line: The front line preventing the Uesugi forces from advancing south.
Although the main battle of Sekigahara was decided in a single day, fighting continued in the Tohoku region between the Date-Mogami allied forces and the Uesugi army. Using Kitame Castle as a base, Masamune launched offensives into Uesugi territory and ultimately succeeded in expanding his territory.
Relocation to Sendai Castle
After the Battle of Sekigahara and the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate, Masamune decided to build a new base. That was Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle). Sendai Castle is a mountain castle built on the hills of Aobayama, a location in stark contrast to Kitame Castle.
For peacetime governance, the function of a political and economic center is more important than defensiveness. Sendai Castle, with the Hirose River serving as a natural moat, was a suitable location for developing a castle town. By moving from Kitame Castle to Sendai Castle, Masamune transitioned from a wartime system to peacetime domain administration.
Status of Kitame Castle’s Cultural Property Designation
Currently, the Kitame Castle ruins are not designated as a national or prefectural cultural property, but they are registered as a historical site of Sendai City and are protected. While preserving the remains is difficult due to urbanization, the information obtained from archaeological excavations is preserved as valuable historical material.
The Cultural Properties Division of the Sendai City Board of Education continues research on the Kitame Castle ruins, and when excavations are conducted in conjunction with development, expert documentation is carried out.
Current Status and Challenges of Kitame Castle Research
Results of Archaeological Excavations
Since the 1980s, archaeological excavations have been conducted intermittently in conjunction with residential development and road construction. These investigations have confirmed the presence of shoji-bori (a type of moat), moat remains, building remains, and excavated artifacts, gradually revealing the true nature of Kitame Castle.
In particular, the discovery of shoji-bori is an important result indicating that Kitame Castle was a fortress that incorporated the latest technology of the early modern period. Furthermore, the lacquerware bearing the three-line crest is valuable evidence indicating a direct connection to Date Masamune.
Future Challenges
The following challenges remain in the study of Kitame Castle:
- Unraveling the Overall Picture: Due to urbanization, excavating the entire castle area is difficult, but it is necessary to reconstruct the overall picture by synthesizing the fragmentary investigation results.
- Determining the Construction Date: The theory that the castle was built by the Awano clan is strong, but definitive evidence is lacking.
- Details of Renovations During Masamune’s Time: Many details remain unknown regarding the renovations carried out when Masamune made the castle his residence.
- Preservation and Utilization: With very few remains left, the challenge lies in how to convey and utilize the history.
The Significance of Visiting Kitame Castle
Kitame Castle ruins may seem underwhelming to castle enthusiasts because there are very few visible remains. However, visiting this place holds great significance.
It was the base of operations for Date Masamune, a hero of Tohoku, during a pivotal battle for control of Japan. It was the command center where he directed military operations amidst tensions with the Uesugi forces. And it was the place where Masamune spent time, looking ahead to the next era, on the eve of the establishment of the powerful Sendai Domain. Kitame Castle ruins allow you to feel the weight of such history.
Standing amidst a modern city, you can contemplate the vast castle that once stood here, the unfolding of history. Such imagination is the true pleasure of visiting castle ruins.
Summary
Kitame Castle is the site of a flatland castle in Taihaku Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, which served as the residence of Date Masamune before and after the Battle of Sekigahara. While little remains are left due to urbanization, its historical value is evident from excavations of features such as shoji-bori (a type of moat) and unearthed artifacts like lacquerware bearing the Sanbikiryō crest.
Kitame Castle, which passed through the hands of the Awano and Yashiro clans before becoming the residence of Date Masamune, played a crucial role as a base in battles against the Uesugi forces. Although it was abandoned after Masamune moved to Sendai Castle, the history etched into its short “active period” is an essential element in understanding the origins of Sendai.
Located within walking distance of JR Nagamachi Station, why not visit this historical site during your Sendai sightseeing trip? Standing before the information board and imagining Masamune surveying the political situation of the nation from this very spot over 400 years ago, history will feel much closer.
