Yamura Castle, Tsuru City (Yamanashi Prefecture) Complete Guide: The History and Present State of the Castle from the Oyamada Clan to the Yamura Domain
Basic Information on Yamura Castle
Yamura Castle (Yamura-jo) was a Japanese castle located in Kamitani 1-chome, Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Also known as Yamura-kan, it began as the residence of the Oyamada clan, who ruled the Gun’nai region in eastern Kai Province, and functioned as the domain office of the Yamura Domain during the Edo period.
Location and Former Province
Location: Kamitani 1-chome, Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Former Province: Tsuru District, Kai Province
Current Status: The site is now occupied by Tsuru City Hall, Tsuru Municipal Yamura First Elementary School, and the courthouse, and very little remains of the castle.
Classification and Structure
Classification: Hilltop Castle/Residence
Builder: Oyamada Etchu-no-kami Nobuaki (one theory)
Main Lords: Oyamada clan, Kato clan, Asano clan, Torii clan, Akimoto clan
Keep Structure: No keep exists; it is a residence-style castle.
It is easily accessible from Tanimura-machi Station on the Fujikyuko Line. In September 2021, the station was given the sub-name “Yamura Jokamachi” (Yamura Castle Town), expressing the historical identity of the region.
Location and Historical Landscape
Tanimura Castle is located on a river terrace along the Katsura River and functioned as the political and military center of the Gun’nai region in eastern Kai Province. The Katsura River is a river with abundant water flowing from the foot of Mt. Fuji, and was also used for the castle’s defense.
Tsuru City is located at the northern foot of Mt. Fuji and is a transportation hub adjacent to Fujiyoshida City and Otsuki City. Located on the road connecting the Kofu Basin and Sagami Province, Tanimura Castle was an important base for the Takeda clan during the Sengoku period (Warring States period). The current city center of Tsuru retains strong traces of the castle town that developed around Tanimura Castle.
A temple district formed around the castle, and parts of the Edo period town layout still exist. At Museum Tsuru, visitors can systematically learn about the history of Tsuru’s castle town, and the Tanimura Castle Town area is being developed as a tourist resource.
Construction of Tanimura Castle and its Lords
Tanimura Residence during the Oyamada Clan Era
There are various theories regarding the construction date of Tanimura Castle, but the most likely theory is that it was developed during the Kyoroku era (1528-1532) when Oyamada Etchu-no-kami Nobuaki moved his base from Nakatsumori to Tanimura.
The Oyamada clan were local lords who ruled the Gun’nai region in eastern Kai Province, and maintained their power through marital ties with the Takeda clan. Oyamada Nobuaki strengthened ties with the Takeda family during the reigns of Takeda Nobutora and Shingen, and governed the Gun’nai region from his base in Tanimura.
The Oyamada clan’s residence is thought to have been relatively simple in structure, and in times of war, they maintained a defensive system in combination with Katsuyama Castle (a fortified castle) built on a mountain behind it, where they would take refuge. Katsuyama Castle is located on a mountain approximately 1.5 km north of Tanimura Castle and served as an emergency refuge.
The last head of the Oyamada clan, Oyamada Nobushige, served Takeda Katsuyori, but was accused of betraying Katsuyori during the fall of the Takeda clan in 1582 and was executed by Oda Nobunaga. This marked the end of the Oyamada clan, and Tanimura came under new rule.
Tanimura Castle during the Tensho-Jingo War and the Tokugawa Era
After the fall of the Takeda clan, in 1582 (Tensho 10), when Oda Nobunaga was killed in the Honnoji Incident, Kai Province became the stage for a struggle between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Hojo Ujimasa (the Tensho-Jingo War). Ultimately, Tokugawa Ieyasu gained control of Kai Province, and Tanimura Castle also came under Tokugawa influence.
Tokugawa Ieyasu established a system of administration for Kai Province by assigning senior retainers. Tokugawa retainers were stationed at Tanimura Castle, which continued to function as a base for controlling the Gun’nai region. It is believed that the castle’s fortifications were also improved during this period.
Tanimura Manor during the Toyotomi Daimyo and Tanimura Domain Era
In 1590 (Tensho 18), when the Hojo clan was destroyed in Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Odawara Campaign, Kai Province was incorporated under the Toyotomi regime. Hideyoshi developed Kofu Castle as the central base of Kai Province, and Tanimura Castle was positioned as its subsidiary castle.
During the time of Hashiba Hidekatsu
The first person granted Kai Province was Hashiba Hidekatsu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s adopted son, and his retainers were stationed at Tanimura Castle. Hidekatsu died young, so his tenure was short.
During the time of the Kato clan
Next, Kato Mitsuyasu ruled Kai Province with a 240,000 koku domain, and a retainer of the Kato clan became the lord of Tanimura Castle. Kato Mitsuyasu died of illness during the Korean campaign, and his son, Kato Sadayasu, was still a child, so Kai Province was temporarily confiscated.
During the time of the Asano clan
From 1592 onwards, Asano Nagamasa and his son Yukinaga ruled Kai Province, and Asano retainers were stationed at Tanimura Castle. Asano Nagamasa held a significant position as one of the Five Commissioners of the Toyotomi regime and also focused on the administration of Kai Province.
Tanimura Domain in the Edo Period
After the Battle of Sekigahara, when Tokugawa Ieyasu seized power, Kai Province once again became a direct territory of the Tokugawa clan. Subsequently, the Tanimura Domain was established, centered around Tanimura Castle, and was governed by several daimyo families in succession.
Torii Clan Era
Torii Naritsugu became the lord of the Tanimura Domain and made Tanimura Castle his residence. The Torii clan were hereditary vassals of the Tokugawa family and were entrusted with the administration of the Gun’nai region. However, the Torii clan was later transferred, and another lord took over.
Akimoto Clan Era
The Akimoto clan ruled the Tanimura Domain for the longest period. The Akimoto clan ruled the Tanimura Domain from 1704 (Hōei 1) until the Meiji Restoration. During the Akimoto era, the castle town was developed, and commerce flourished. The Tanimura Domain was a small domain with a stipend of approximately 30,000 koku, but it enjoyed economic stability by utilizing the abundant water resources at the foot of Mount Fuji and the advantages of the highway. During the feudal period, Tanimura Castle was maintained and managed, and it continued to function as the domain’s administrative center.
After the Meiji Restoration, the Tanimura Domain was abolished due to the abolition of the feudal system and the establishment of prefectures, and Tanimura Castle was also abandoned. Subsequently, the castle site was used for public facilities.
Structure and Details of Tanimura Castle
Tanimura Castle is classified as a hilltop castle, but in reality, it was a castle centered around a residence. It is thought to have had a relatively simple structure, lacking a keep or high stone walls.
Layout and Structure
The castle was built on a slightly elevated area along the Katsura River, utilizing the river as a natural moat. It is presumed that multiple baileys were arranged around the main enclosure, separated by earthworks and moats.
According to Edo period maps, the castle contained the lord’s residence, the residences of retainers, and the administrative office. The castle town was systematically laid out around the castle, divided into areas such as a temple district, merchant district, and artisan district.
Relationship with Katsuyama Castle
As mentioned above, Katsuyama Castle existed as a fortified outpost for Tanimura Castle. Katsuyama Castle was located on a mountain north of Tanimura Castle and was used by the Oyamada clan as an emergency refuge during the Sengoku period.
Recent research suggests that Katsuyama Castle was constructed as a fortified castle when Oyamada Nobuaki moved his residence to Tanimura. While it was previously believed to have been built by Asai Shigeaki, a vassal of the Asano clan, it is now suggested that it may date back to an earlier period.
Katsuyama Castle retains remnants such as stone walls and moats, confirming its structure as a mountain castle. It is believed that Tanimura Castle and Katsuyama Castle functioned as an integrated defensive system.
Archaeological Excavations and Current Status of Remains
Multiple archaeological excavations have been conducted at the Tanimura Castle site, yielding new insights into the castle’s structure and its evolution.
Results of the Excavation
The excavation has confirmed the remains of moats, earthworks, and buildings. Excavated artifacts include ceramics, roof tiles, and metal products dating from the Sengoku period to the Edo period, providing clues to the castle’s age and characteristics.
Of particular note is the overlapping discovery of remains from the Oyamada clan period and the Edo period, revealing that the castle was renovated and expanded over time.
Current Remains
Unfortunately, most of the above-ground remains of Tanimura Castle have been lost. Currently, the majority of the castle site is occupied by public facilities such as the Tsuru City Hall, Tsuru Municipal Tanimura First Elementary School, and the courthouse, making it difficult to confirm the scale and structure of the castle above ground.
However, remnants of the castle town era can be seen in the surrounding topography and town layout, and several temples are concentrated in the temple district. These temples are thought to have been positioned as part of Tanimura Castle’s defensive line.
Stone Monuments and Information Boards
Around the Tsuru City Hall, stone monuments and information boards marking the site of Tanimura Castle are installed, conveying the castle’s history to visitors. Detailed maps and explanatory panels are also available, allowing visitors to imagine the former castle grounds.
Formation and Development of Tanimura Castle Town
The castle town formed around Tanimura Castle became the prototype for Tsuru City. It developed as a commercial city throughout the Edo period, and its town layout and culture are still preserved today.
Structure of the Castle Town
The Tanimura castle town was divided into samurai residences, merchant districts, and temple districts, centered around the castle. The samurai residences were located around the castle, with rows of samurai residences. The merchant districts formed along the main roads, with shops and artisan workshops lining the streets.
The temple district also functioned as a defensive line for the castle, with multiple temples concentrated there. These temples still remain around Tanimura-machi Station, forming a historical landscape.
Commerce and Culture
Tanimura functioned as a post town on the Koshu Kaido road, bustling with travelers and merchants. Industries utilizing the abundant water from the foot of Mt. Fuji also flourished, including the production of silk textiles and Japanese paper.
During the Edo period, cultural activities thrived, with haiku poetry and tea ceremony enjoyed by samurai and townspeople alike. The Tanimura domain’s school provided Confucian education, emphasizing human resource development.
The Current Tanimura Castle Town Area
Currently, the Tanimura Castle Town area is being developed as a tourist resource for Tsuru City. Centered around Museum Tsuru, visitors can explore the Katsuyama Castle ruins, the Merchant House Museum, the Festival Stall Exhibition Hall, and the Temple District, experiencing Tsuru City’s rich history and culture.
The introduction of the sub-station name “Tanimura Castle Town” at Tanimura-machi Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line has strengthened the region’s identity and is proving effective in attracting tourists. Around the station, you can enjoy strolling through a townscape steeped in history, experiencing the charm of old Japan.
Tanimura Castle and Surrounding Historical Spots
When visiting Tanimura Castle, visiting the surrounding historical spots will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Tsuru City’s history.
Museum Tsuru
Located right next to Tanimura-cho Station, Museum Tsuru is a facility that comprehensively exhibits the history and culture of Tsuru City. It boasts a wealth of exhibits related to Tanimura Castle, the Oyamada clan, and the Tanimura Domain, making it a must-see for anyone learning about the history of castles.
The exhibits showcase the results of archaeological excavations, ancient documents, maps, and excavated artifacts, allowing for a visual understanding of Tanimura Castle’s history.
Katsuyama Castle Ruins
The Katsuyama Castle ruins, which functioned as an auxiliary castle to Tanimura Castle, require hiking to reach due to its mountaintop location, but offer a view of well-preserved mountain castle remains. Stone walls, moats, and baileys remain, allowing you to experience the structure of a Sengoku period mountain castle.
From the mountaintop, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Tsuru city and Mount Fuji.
Merchant House Museum and Festival Float Exhibition Hall
The Merchant House Museum, which preserves and displays Edo-period merchant architecture, allows you to learn about the lives and commercial activities of merchants at that time. The Festival Float Exhibition Hall displays magnificent festival floats used in festivals, conveying the richness of the castle town’s culture.
Temple District Stroll
The temple district area of Tanimura Castle Town is dotted with several historical temples. These temples were positioned as a defensive line for the castle town, and their architecture and gardens are impressive. It is a popular spot for a quiet stroll.
Access and Visiting Information for Tanimura Castle
Access Method
Train: Get off at Tanimura-machi Station on the Fujikyu Line, and it’s about a 5-minute walk to Tsuru City Hall (the central part of the castle ruins). Tanimura-machi Station has the sub-name “Tanimura Castle Town,” making it a convenient base for sightseeing.
By Car: Approximately 10 minutes from the Tsuru Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. Parking is available near the Tsuru City Hall.
Points to Note During Your Visit
Since the castle ruins are located on the grounds of public facilities, access to the interior of the buildings is restricted. By viewing the stone monuments and information boards from the outside, and observing the surrounding topography and town layout, you can imagine the scale of the castle.
We strongly recommend prior learning at the Tsuru Museum. Visiting the site after viewing the exhibits will significantly deepen your understanding.
Combining this with a hike to the Katsuyama Castle ruins will allow you to experience the entire defensive system of Tanimura Castle, making for a more fulfilling historical exploration.
Precautions During Your Visit
Since the grounds of Tsuru City Hall and the elementary school are public facilities, consideration must be given to avoiding disrupting their operations and educational activities. Photography should be limited to the exterior only, and the privacy of facility staff and children should be respected.
References and Research Materials
The following documents and materials are useful for historical research on Tanimura Castle.
Key References
- *Kai no Kuni Shi*: A geographical record of Kai Province compiled in the late Edo period, containing descriptions of Tanimura Castle and Katsuyama Castle.
- *Tsuru City History*: A city history compiled by Tsuru City, containing a detailed history of Tanimura Castle.
- Various Archaeological Excavation Reports: Excavation reports published by the Tsuru City Board of Education and others contain the latest archaeological findings.
Research Trends
Recently, research on Tanimura Castle has progressed, with new insights gained, particularly regarding the residence structure during the Oyamada clan period and its relationship with Katsuyama Castle. Further details are expected to be revealed through continued archaeological excavations.
Papers by castle researchers and local history researchers have also been published, increasing academic interest. Tsuru City is also working to utilize these research findings for tourism and education.
Summary: The Historical Significance of Tanimura Castle
Tanimura Castle was an important fortress that governed the Gun’nai region in eastern Kai Province from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. Beginning as the residence of the Oyamada clan, it continued to function, changing its role over time, becoming a branch castle of a Toyotomi daimyo, and then the administrative center of the Tanimura Domain.
Although most of the castle remains have been lost, traces of its former glory can still be seen in the layout of the castle town and the arrangement of the temple district. Tsuru City utilizes the history of Tanimura Castle and its castle town as a tourist resource, carefully preserving and passing it down as a regional identity.
Through various initiatives such as exhibitions at Museum Tsuru, the preservation of the Katsuyama Castle ruins, and the introduction of a secondary station name at Tanimura-machi Station, the history of Tanimura Castle continues to live on in the present day. When visiting Tsuru City, we hope you will experience this rich history and enjoy the atmosphere of the castle town.
Tanimura Castle, though a small regional castle, played an important role in the history of Kai Province and remains a valuable cultural heritage that is still cherished as a source of regional pride.
