Tsutsui Castle (Yamato-Koriyama City, Nara Prefecture) Complete Guide: A Thorough Explanation of the Center of Yamato’s Sengoku History
What is Tsutsui Castle?
Tsutsui Castle was a Japanese castle located in Tsutsui-cho, Yamato-Koriyama City, Nara Prefecture. From the Muromachi period to the Sengoku period, it served as the residence of the Tsutsui clan, monks of Kofuku-ji Temple, who were central to the political history of Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture), and played a significant role in Yamato’s history for approximately 150 years.
The castle grounds measured approximately 400 meters north-south and 500 meters east-west, a relatively large scale for a medieval castle built on flat land, and it was constructed to surround the entire Tsutsui settlement. Currently, the castle site is occupied by residential areas, fields, and rice paddies, making it difficult to imagine its magnificent former appearance. However, the remains of the moats surrounding the inner and outer baileys are scattered throughout, preserving traces of the former castle.
History of Tsutsui Castle
Construction and the Rise of the Tsutsui Clan
There are various theories regarding the construction date of Tsutsui Castle, but the most widely accepted theory is that it was built in 1429 by Tsutsui Junkaku. On the other hand, historical records confirm the existence of the Tsutsui clan in 1386, suggesting the possibility that some kind of base existed even before that time.
The Tsutsui clan is said to be descended from Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto, but their origins are uncertain. What is certain is that, as monks of Kofuku-ji Ichijo-in, they built a powerful force in Yamato Province. The Kofuku-ji monks were an armed group of monks belonging to Kofuku-ji Temple, and in medieval Yamato Province, they possessed military and political power exceeding that of secular samurai.
During the time of Tsutsui Jun’ei, who inherited the family headship in 1441, the Tsutsui clan’s power expanded even further. However, fierce conflicts ensued with the Ochi clan, who were also monks of Kofuku-ji Temple, and the later-rising Toichi clan. These conflicts are known as the “Great Rebellion of Yamato,” and Yamato Province entered a long period of warfare.
Conflict with Matsunaga Hisahide and the Battle of Tsutsui Castle
The most important turning point in the history of Tsutsui Castle was Matsunaga Hisahide’s advance into Yamato. In 1559, when Matsunaga Hisahide, a senior retainer of the Miyoshi clan, entered Yamato, a fierce conflict began between him and the Tsutsui clan.
At that time, the head of the Tsutsui clan was Tsutsui Junsho, and after his death, the young Tsutsui Junkei inherited the family headship. In 1568, Matsunaga Hisahide attacked Tsutsui Castle and temporarily seized it. During this period, Tsutsui Junkei continued to resist, moving from place to place.
The “Battle of Tsutsui Castle” is said to have taken place a total of three times, with the castle being repeatedly recaptured and regained between the Tsutsui and Matsunaga clans. This conflict was not merely a regional dispute, but was closely linked to the political situation in the Kinai region, and was greatly influenced by the actions of the central government at the time, including the Miyoshi clan, Oda Nobunaga, and Ashikaga Yoshiaki.
In 1571, with the backing of Oda Nobunaga, Tsutsui Junkei finally succeeded in recapturing Tsutsui Castle. This victory restored the Tsutsui clan’s dominance in Yamato Province, and Matsunaga Hisahide was gradually cornered.
Yamato Province Castle Destruction Order and Castle Abandonment
In 1580, Oda Nobunaga issued the “Yamato Province Castle Destruction Order.” This was an order to demolish all castles within Yamato Province, with the exception of Koriyama Castle. Behind this order was Nobunaga’s intention to stabilize the rule of Yamato Province and nip any potential rebellions based in small castles in the bud.
As a result of this order, Tsutsui Castle was also demolished, bringing an end to its approximately 150-year history as the residence of the Tsutsui clan. Tsutsui Junkei moved his base to Koriyama Castle, and it is believed that some of the buildings and materials from Tsutsui Castle were repurposed for the construction and renovation of Koriyama Castle.
After its abandonment, the site of Tsutsui Castle gradually transformed into farmland. However, remnants of the castle’s moats and earthworks remain as topographical features, and traces of them can still be seen today.
Structure and Characteristics of Tsutsui Castle
Characteristics as a Flatland Castle
Tsutsui Castle is a typical flatland castle. Built on the flat terrain of the Yamato Basin, it does not utilize natural fortifications like a mountain castle. Instead, the castle’s defenses were enhanced by the skillful placement of moats and earthen ramparts.
The castle grounds measured approximately 400 meters north-south and 500 meters east-west, making it relatively large for a medieval castle built on flat land. This vast castle area is thought to have served not only as a military facility but also as a “moated settlement” encompassing the entire Tsutsui village.
Arrangement of Enclosures and Moats
Tsutsui Castle had a double defensive structure consisting of an inner enclosure (uchi-kuruwa) and an outer enclosure (soto-kuruwa). It is presumed that the lord’s residence and major buildings were located in the inner enclosure, while the residences of retainers and military facilities were located in the outer enclosure.
The moats surrounding these enclosures were water-filled moats utilizing the abundant groundwater of the Yamato Basin. Even today, the area around the Tsutsui Castle ruins has soft soil and is a wetland rich in groundwater, suggesting that the moats were always filled with water. These water-filled moats may have served not only a defensive function but also provided agricultural water. ### Existing Remains
Currently, very few remains of Tsutsui Castle exist. The castle site is now residential land, farmland, and rice paddies, and no prominent remains such as buildings or stone walls can be seen. However, with careful observation, the following traces can be identified:
Moat Remains: Parts of the moat that surrounded the inner and outer baileys remain as waterways and low-lying areas. Walking around the Tsutsui Castle site in particular, the subtle differences in elevation and the arrangement of rice paddies allow one to infer the former location of the moat.
Earthwork Remains: Slightly raised terrain can sometimes be seen at the boundaries of some private property and fields; these may be remnants of earthworks.
Place Names: Place names related to the castle, such as “Shiro no Uchi” (inside the castle) and “Horino Uchi” (inside the moat), remain in the surrounding area, providing clues to the former castle grounds.
Highlights of Tsutsui Castle Ruins
Stone Monument and Information Board at Tsutsui Castle Ruins
At the Tsutsui Castle Ruins, there is a stone monument and information board marking the castle’s existence. These are located about a 10-minute walk northeast from Tsutsui Station on the Kintetsu Kashihara Line, making them the most easily accessible point for visitors.
The information board provides detailed information about the history and size of Tsutsui Castle, as well as the lineage of the Tsutsui clan, offering essential information for visitors to the castle ruins. The surrounding area is a quiet residential area and farmland, a tranquil landscape that makes it hard to believe that fierce battles of the Sengoku period took place here.
Lotus Fields and Tsutsui Lotus Roots at Tsutsui Castle Ruins
The Tsutsui Castle ruins and surrounding area are a wetland with soft soil and abundant groundwater, making it a long-established cultivation site for “Tsutsui lotus root,” a traditional Yamato vegetable. In particular, the lotus fields located in the former inner moat of Tsutsui Castle are registered as a Nara Prefecture Landscape Asset, forming a unique landscape where history and agriculture are intertwined.
Lotus Fields and Tsutsui Lotus Roots at Tsutsui Castle Ruins
The Tsutsui Castle ruins and surrounding area are a wetland with soft soil and abundant groundwater, making it a place where the traditional Yamato vegetable, “Tsutsui lotus root,” has been cultivated since ancient times. The lotus fields in particular, located in the former inner moat of Tsutsui Castle, are registered as a Nara Prefecture Landscape Asset, forming a unique landscape where history and agriculture are fused. In summer, lotus flowers bloom beautifully, adding color to the former castle ruins. This lotus field landscape, in stark contrast to the military history of Tsutsui Castle, is a peaceful and beautiful rural scene, beloved by many.
Related Historical Sites in the Surrounding Area
When visiting Tsutsui Castle ruins, exploring the surrounding related historical sites will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the Sengoku period history of Yamato.
Koriyama Castle: Located approximately 3.5 kilometers north of Tsutsui Castle, Koriyama Castle was the castle where Tsutsui Junkei moved his base after Tsutsui Castle was abandoned. It is currently designated as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles, and its remains, such as stone walls and moats, are well-preserved.
Koizumi Castle: Koizumi Castle, also located near Tsutsui Castle, played an important role in the Sengoku period history of Yamato. Visiting these castles will allow you to grasp the overall picture of the castle network in the Yamato Basin.
Kofuku-ji Temple: Kofuku-ji Temple, to which the Tsutsui clan belonged as monks, is located in Nara City. Visiting Kofuku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, allows for a deeper understanding of the Tsutsui clan’s religious and political background.
The Figure of Tsutsui Junkei
Indispensable to understanding Tsutsui Castle is Tsutsui Junkei (1549-1584), the last lord of the castle. Having inherited the family headship at a young age, Junkei experienced fierce conflict with Matsunaga Hisahide, but ultimately served Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, establishing his position as the ruler of Yamato Province.
Junkei is also known for the anecdote of “Tsutsui at Horagatoge Pass.” This story claims that during the Battle of Yamazaki, Junkei was undecided whether to side with Akechi Mitsuhide or Hashiba Hideyoshi and waited at Horagatoge Pass. However, in reality, Junkei did not go to Horagatoge Pass, and this anecdote is considered highly likely to be a later fabrication.
Junkei died of illness in 1584 at the young age of 36. Since he had no heir, his adopted son, Tsutsui Sadatsugu, inherited the family headship. However, during Sadatsugu’s time, the Tsutsui clan was transferred to Iga Province, marking the complete end of the Tsutsui clan’s era in Yamato Province.
Access and Visiting Guide to Tsutsui Castle
Access by Train
The nearest station to Tsutsui Castle ruins is Tsutsui Station on the Kintetsu Kashihara Line. It’s approximately a 10-minute walk from the station to the castle ruins monument.
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Kashihara Line Tsutsui Station
- From Osaka, take the Kintetsu Osaka Line to Yamato-Yagi Station and transfer to the Kashihara Line
- From Kyoto, take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line to Yamato-Saidaiji Station and transfer to the Kashihara Line
Access by Car
If visiting by car, it’s about 10 minutes from the Nishimeihan Expressway “Koriyama IC”. However, there is no dedicated parking lot around the castle ruins, so we recommend using nearby coin parking or public transportation.
Precautions for Visiting
The Tsutsui Castle ruins are currently residential and farmland. Please observe the following points when visiting:
- Do not trespass on private property
- Do not damage crops or lotus fields
- Visit quietly so as not to disturb the lives of residents
- Always take your trash with you
The area around the castle ruins’ stone monument and information boards is public space, but other areas are basically private property. Please observe proper etiquette when visiting. ### Best Time to Visit
While Tsutsui Castle Ruins are open year-round, the following times are particularly recommended:
- Summer (July-August): Lotus flowers bloom in abundance, creating a beautiful landscape in the lotus fields of the former inner moat.
- Autumn (October-November): The mild weather makes it ideal for strolling, and the surrounding rural scenery is particularly beautiful.
- Spring (March-April): The cherry blossom season adds vibrancy to the surrounding landscape.
Tsutsui Castle and the Sengoku History of Yamato
The history of Tsutsui Castle is arguably synonymous with the Sengoku history of Yamato Province. From their unique position as monks of Kofuku-ji Temple, the Tsutsui clan expanded their power using both religious authority and military strength.
Yamato Province, while an important region close to Kyoto and Osaka, was under the influence of the religious power of Kofuku-ji Temple, making it a unique region that other Sengoku daimyo could not easily control. The Tsutsui clan, utilizing this unique characteristic, maintained their own sphere of influence, sometimes aligning themselves with the central government and sometimes clashing with it.
The conflict with Matsunaga Hisahide was not merely a regional dispute, but a large-scale political struggle involving major players in the Kinai region’s politics at the time, such as the Miyoshi clan, Oda Nobunaga, and Ashikaga Yoshiaki. Tsutsui Castle was the center of this battle, a historical site where numerous battles were fought.
Summary
Although no significant remains of Tsutsui Castle exist today, it is an important fortress indispensable to understanding the Sengoku period history of Yamato Province. Built on flat land, it was a relatively large castle with a vast area measuring 400 meters north-south and 500 meters east-west, and served as the residence of the Tsutsui clan, monks of Kofuku-ji Temple, at the heart of Yamato Province’s history for approximately 150 years.
The history of Tsutsui Castle vividly illustrates the political changes in Yamato Province during the Sengoku period, from its fierce conflict with Matsunaga Hisahide to its abandonment following Oda Nobunaga’s decree to destroy castles throughout Yamato Province, and finally to Tsutsui Junkei’s relocation to Koriyama Castle.
Today, the site of Tsutsui Castle is occupied by residential areas, fields, and rice paddies, with lotus fields spreading across the former moat, creating a tranquil landscape. However, standing on the ground, one can feel the history of the Tsutsui clan who survived the turbulent Sengoku period and the memories of the fierce battles that took place there.
When visiting Yamato-Koriyama City, why not visit the Tsutsui Castle ruins along with Koriyama Castle and reflect on the Sengoku history of Yamato?
