[Explanation]
Maruoka castle existed in Maruoka, Sakai-shi in Fukui Prefecture. It was a flat mountain castle located on top of the hill that was at the East side of Maruoka city. It is also called Kasumiga Castle.

It was built by Katsutoyo Shibata, who was a Nobunaga Oda’s vassal that had moved from Toyoharaji castle.
In 1582 after the incident of Honnnoji, Katsutoyo was moved to Nagahama castle in Omi through the Kiyosu conference, and instead Katsuie appointed Iekiyo Yasuie as the new owner of Maruoka castle.

In 1583 when the battle of Shizugatake occurred after the relationship between Katsuie Shibata and Hideyoshi Toyotomi became worse, Katsuie lost at this war and was killed at Kitanosho castle. After that Echizen became under control of Nagahide Niwa, and Nagahide appointed Munekatsu Aoyama sa the owner of Maruoka castle.

After the death of Nagahide Niwa, Munekatsu Aoyama and his son Tadamoto continued to be vassals of Hideyoshi Toyotomi, keeping the ownership of the territory. In 1600 at the battle of Sekigahara, they supported the West troops (Mitsunari Ishida), had lost the war and the Aoyama family was subject to Kaieki.

Hideyasu Yuki, Ieyasu Tokugawa’s second son, took over Echizen, and Moritsugu Imamura, Hideyasu’s vassal, was given 26 thousand Koku and owned the castle. However in 1612, Moritsugu Imamura was overthrown at the incident of Echizen, and Narishige Honda became the new owner of the castle.

After that, Tadanao Matsudaira, the 2nd lord of Fukui domain, was sent away to Bungo no Kuni due to his inexcusable actions, and Fukui domain had fallen. At the same time, Narishige Honda became independent from Fukui domain and he started Maruoka domain.

In 1695, during Shigemasu’s period, a family incident occurred among the Honda family and they were subject to Kaieki by Bakufu. Kiyozumi Arima then became the owner for 50 thousand Koku, and since then Arima-shi have been the owner until the Meiji restoration. It is estimated that the castle tower was built in Azuchi Momoyama period, and it is registered as national important cultural treasure.

※Maruoka castle is registered 36th in Japan’s 100 famous castles.

[Address,access]
1-59 Maruokacho Kasumicho, Sakai-shi, Fukui 910-0231

[Map]

[Explanation]
Kanazawa castle was located in Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa prefecture. Kaga domain’s Maeda family resided during Edo period, and currently castle ruins is registered as a national historic site.

During Sengoku period, a Buddhist temple called Oyama Gobo existed in the area, and it was the base of the battle of Kaga. Even though it was a temple, there were stone walls and moats, and it was considered as a fortress similar to Honganji temple.

Nobunaga Oda stopped the battle of Kaga, and ordered Morimasa Sakuma to build Kanazawa castle in this area. This castle was built between Asano river and San river that ran through the center of Kanazawa flat field.

After that, Nobunaga was killed by Mitsuhide Akechi at the incident of Honnoji, and Hideyoshi Hashiba (Hideyoshi Toyotomi) defeated Mitsuhide Akechi at the battle of Yamazaki. There were battles among the vassals of Nobunaga to decide the successor, and Hideyoshi Hashiba gained the power. But Katsuie Shibata and Kazumasu Takigawa were not happy about the situation, and Hideyoshi Hashiba was defeated at the battle of Shizugatake.

Hideyoshi Hashiba rose up as the next successor of Nobunaga because of this. Morimasa Sakuma was killed by Hideyoshi since he was a Yoriki (a governmental post in the Edo bakufu) of Katsue Shibata. Hideyoshi handed down Kanazawa castle to Toshiie Maeda, who was his friend and did not fight against him at the battle of Shizugatake.

In 1592 Toshiie started to remodel the castle, building Kuruwa, moat, 5 tiered castle tower, as well as Yagura. In 1587, Kanazawa castle was largely remodeled again by Ukon Takayama, who was invited as a guest by Toshiie after he was subject to kaieki (sudden dismissal and deprivation of position, privileges and properties) due to the edict expelling Jesuit missionaries.

During the period of the 5th lord of Kaga domain, Tsunanori Maeda, Kenroku-en was built next to Kanazawa castle. After that, the Maeda family continued to own the castle until the Meiji restoration. The ruins of Kanazawa castle was demolished except for one part after Meiji period to use the land for military matters.

Current Kanazawa castle is famous for Kenroku-en, which is one of Japan’s 3 greatest gardens.

※35th castle in Japan’s 100 famous castles

[Address,access]
1-1 Marunouchi, Kanazawa-shi, Ishikawa 920-0937

[Map]

[Explanation]
Toyama castle was at Marunouchi, Toyama-shi in Toyama prefecture. It was also called Uki castle. It was called Uki castle because it looked as if it was floating on the water, using Jinzu river as a protection of the castle.

During Muromachi period, Hatakeyama-shi, who was one of the Sankanrei (Hatakeyama-shi, Hosokawa-shi, Shiba-shi), was the provincial military governor of Ecchu but he never returned to Ecchu, and he appointed Shiina-shi for the East part, and Jimbo-shi for the West part as Shugodai (deputy of Shugo, provincial constable). In 1543 Toyama castle was built after Nagamoto Jimbo, who was plotting to conquer the East side of Ecchu, ordered his vassal, Katsushige Mizukoshi, to build a castle in Azumi-go which was based at the East side of Jinzu river.
However, the remnant from early Muromachi period was exacted recently, and it is now said that the start of the construction of the castle was even before that. In 1560, Nagamoto Jimbo was exiled from Toyama castle by Shingen Uesugi, but in 1578 Nagamoto Jimbo’s son, Nagazumi Jimbo, took over Toyama castle.

However in March 1582, Nagazumi was overthrown by Uesugi’s vassal’s betrayal. Because of this, Nobunaga’s vassal, Narimasa Sassa, became the new owner of Toyama castle. He started to remodel Toyama castle after he became the owner.

In 1582, Nobunaga Oda was killed by Mitsuhide Akechi at the incident of Honnoji temple. After that, Hideyoshi Hashiba, who was the commander of Chugoku region, won against Mitsuhide Akechi at the battle of Yamazaki. This made him the successor of Nobunaga.

Nobunaga’s children, Nobukatsu and Nobutaka, and Katsuie Shibata and Kazumasa Takigawa were not happy about it, and dcooperated and fought against Hideyoshi Hashiba, but they were defeated at the battle of Shizugatake. Katsuie Shibata committed suicide, Kazumasu Takigawa surrendered, and Toshiie Maeda was also defeated by Hideyoshi leaving Narimasa Sassa alone in Ecchu.

In August 1585, Narimasa surrendered after being surrounded by the army led by Hideyoshi, and Toyama castle was destroyed. Ecchu province was given to the Maeda family, and this made them the Taishu (governor general) of the three provinces, Kaga, Noto, and Ecchu. Toshiie Maeda died after the death of his friend, Hideyoshi Toyotomi.

Because of this the forces of the Tenka had changed drastically and Ieyasu Tokugawa started to show his influence. Toshinaga was the head of the Maeda family then, and Ieyasu was a threat that time, even sending Toshiie’s wife to Edo as a hostage. On the other hand, Toshinaga Maeda moved from Kanazawa castle to Toyama castle and remodeled it, and used it as his hiding castle. in 1609, he built Takaoka castle and moved there since the important parts of Toyama castle were burnt down, and Toyama castle was handed down to his vassal, Yoshitada Tsuda.

In 1639, Toshitsune Maeda gave 100 thousand Koku to his second son, Toshitsugu, and Toyama domain was established. In 1640 Toshitsugu made Toyama castle, which was the territory of Kaga domain at that time, as their temporal castle and entered Ecchu. In 1659, he exchanged the territories with Kaga domain and Toyama castle became their residence along with the land around the castle.

In 1661 he remodeled Toyama castle after receiving permission from Bakufu, and after that it was used as a residence of the Toyama Maeda family until the Meiji restoration. Currently the ruins of the castle is a park called Toyama Castle Ruin Park.

[Address,access]
1-62 Honmaru, Toyama-shi, Toyama 930-0081

[Map]

[Explanation]
Echizen Ono Castle is a castle in Ohno City, Fukui Prefecture. In Tensho 3rd Year (1575), Oda Nobunaga gave the 30,000 Jewels in large field as a reward of “Nobunaga’s suppression of Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Uprising prize” from Echizen County’s “Kanamori Nagachika” and the rest was given to “Hara Masashige”.

The following year, it was the beginning of the Echizen Ono Castle when Naga Kon was the first Feudal lord of the Inuyama Castle, which was near the Kame Mountain where he noticed it. Naga Kon forms a Tanzaku castle town, which is why it is called little Kyoto of Hokuriku region.

Kanamori will be transferred to Hida Takayama in Tensho 14th year (1586). After that, Echizen Matsudaira became a Shogunate control after three generations, and until the establishment of Doi, the castle owner was swiftly changed.

The castle was burned down in Anei Era 4th year (1775), and it was rebuilt except for Castle tower in Kansei 7th year (1795). Originally it was a double-tiered guardian tower with a watchtower on the 2nd floor of the Great Tenshi, a small tenant on the 2nd floor, a telescope (Tengu Shoin) called a tengu guardtower was attached to complex castle tower, but it was not rebuilt since it was destroyed in 1795.

The castle has been destroyed after Meiji Restoration after the end of the Tokugawa period.

Temporarily built at the summit of the mountain is estimated and reconstructed by the reinforced concrete structure with reference to the historical drawing and the castle tower of another castle at the time of construction, in 1968 (1968) by the donation of Sagaku Hagiwara former samurai.

The interior of the reconstructed Castle tower is used as a museum that displays materials on historic castle owners such as Kanamori and Doi. “Laputa’s Assembly” made by volunteers in Ohno city was established to spread the beautiful scenery where Echizen Ono Castle covered with morning fog floating in the center of the large field between mountains of Fukui Prefecture.

Nnationwide it is now known as the “castle of the sky (Echizen Ono castle)”.

[Address,access]
3-109 Ohno Castle Town Fukui Prefecture 912-0087

[Map]

[Description]
Uozu Castle was a flatland castle in Uozu-shi, Toyama. It was owned by Yasutake Shiina during Sengoku era. The Shiina clan served for the Uesugi clan, so Uozu Castle was used as an assist for Matsukura Castle.

As Yasutake betrayed his master and started to work for Shingen Takeda, Matsukura and Uozu Castles fell by receiving intense attack by the Uesugi force. Kenshin’s minister, Nagachika Kawada was appointed for the chief of Uozu Castle.

When Kagekatsu succeeded to the Ueshugi clan, Shibata Katsuie and Narimasa Sassa, who were on the conquest of the Hokuriku region for Nobunaga Oda, took over Toyama Castle and laid siege to Uozu Castle. At the same time, Nobunaga Oda was murdered by his servant, Mitsuhide Akechi (Honnoji Incident).

Katsuie Shibata went back right away to avenge his master, Nobunaga, but it was Hideyoshi Hashiba who succeeded in murdering Mitsuhide Akechi. While Katsuie was gone, the Uesugi force won back the territories around Uozu Castle.

Narimasa Sassa laid siege to Uozu Castle once again in 1583, and the commander Mitsuchika Suda accepted defeat and gave up the castle. Narimasa Sassa took over the rulership of Ecchu.

Hideyoshi Hashiba, who revenged on his master Nobunaga, was on his mission of conquering Japan, and sent his force to defeat Narimasa Sassa in Ecchu. Narimasa capitulated all to easily.

Toshiie Maeda became Dai-daimyo and the Maeda clan had ruled the lands of Kaga, Noto, and Ecchu until Meiji Restoration.
Uozu Castle was abandoned due to Ikkoku Ichijo Regulation (Law of One Castle per Province).

[Address,access]
1-10-39 Hon-machi Uozu-shi, Toyama 937-0866

[Map]

[Description]
Nanao Castle was a castle built on a mountain by Mitsunori Hatakeyama, Noto minister. It was a small fort at first, and administrative office was located in Fuchu Nanao-shi.

During the Sengoku era, many feudal chiefs gained power in each territory and were opposed to each other. The Hatakeyama clan officially moved to Nanao Castle for better security and protection. Nanao Castle was chosen for one of top five solidified mountain castles.

In 1576, Kenshin Uesugi from Ecchu Echigo invaded Noto. Although Nanao Castle withstood for about a year of siege, the castle surrendered due to the fall-out within the Hatakeyama clan. Tsugutsura Cho suggested to keep fighting while waiting for the support troops from the Oda force. Tsugumitsu Yusa and Kagetaka Nukui insisted that they accept a defeat against Kenshin Uesugi.

The Cho family, who sided with Nobunaga Oda, was murdered. The sudden death of Kenshin Uesugi turned the table, and the Oda force won back Nanao Castle. Nagayori Sugaya was appointed as the chief. Afterwards, Toshiie Maeda ruled the land of Noto, and abandoned Nanao Castle due to its inconvenient location.

Nanao Castle is nominated as 34th of top 100 castles in Japan.

[Address,access]
Furushiro-machi Nanao-shi, ishikawa 926-0025

[Map]

[Description]
Obama Castle was a castle on a flatland built by Takatsugu Kyogoku in the beginning of Edo era. The land of Wakasa was originally owned by the Isshiki clan, but Nagahide Niwa came into possession when Nobunaga Oda and Hideyoshi Toyotomi conquered Japan.

At the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Nagashige, the first son of Nagahide, was relocated by Ieyasu Tokugawa because he didn’t declare to support Ieyasu. On the other hand, Takatsugu Kyogoku received Wakasa as a reward for his service at the Battle of Sekigahara and resided in Nochiseyama Castle. Since Nochiseyama Castle was a small castle on a mountain, Takatsugu built a new castle in Obama area where it’s closer to ocean and easier to get around.

Although Kyogoku clan’s title lasted for two generations and they kept expanding the castle, they were relocated to Izumo Matsue Castle before construction was completed. Tadakatsu Sakai, who had been loyal to the Tokugawa clan for generations, took over the castle by contributing 123,000 Goku. In 1635, the construction of Obama Castle was completed with a three-story castle tower.

Sakai clan had ruled the land of Obama until Meiji Restoration. Obama Shrine was built at the Honmaru ruin in 1875 to worship the first head of Obama, Tadakatsu Sakai.

[Address,access]
1-7-55 Jonai Obama-shi Fukui 917-0095

[Map]

[Description]
Tsuruga Castle was located in today’s Tsuruga-shi, Fukui.

As Nobunaga Oda was defeated by his servant, Mitsuhide Akechi at Honnoji incident, Hideyoshi Hashiba avenged Nobunaga’s death and conquered Japan.

In the process of the conquest, Yoritaka Hachiya, who had worked for Nobunaga, supported Hideyoshi and joined in the Toyotomi force at several battles such as the Battle of Shizugatake and the invasion of Narimasa Sassa’s land in Ecchu. As a reward for his service, Yoritaka received Tsuruga Castle with 40,000 Goku.

Yoritaka, however, passed away from an illness while he was away on the conquest of Kyushu, and Hachiya clan extinguished. Yoshitsugu Otani was nominated for the chief of Tsuruga Castle with 50,000 Goku. Yoshitsugu was one of Hideyoshi’s close advisor and known for his excellence in pen and sword.

Upon the Battle of Sekigahara between Ieyasu Tokugawa and Mitsunari Ishida in 1600, Yoshitsugu couldn’t make up his mind which side he would support at first. He eventually decided on working for Mitsunari Ishida who had been his sworn friend. The rumor has it that Yoshitsugu had prepared for his death upon the decision.

The West force led by Mitsunari seemed to win the battle in the beginning, but Hideaki Kobayakawa’s betrayal turned the table and the West force lost the battle. After Yoshitsugu committed suicide, Hideyasu Yuki came into the possession of Tsuruga along with the title on Echizen and a partial land of Wakasa. Tsuruga Castle was abandoned upon Ikkoku Ichijo Regulation (Law of One Castle per Province).

The area where the Tsuruga Castle ruin is at is named as Yuki-cho. It is because a local governor was sent to this area by Hideyasu Yuki. Yuki-cho is a residential area and there is not much remaining.

[Address,access]
7-23 Yuki-cho Tsuruga-shi, Fukui 914-0064

[Map]

[Description]
Nagaoka Castle was a flat land castle in current Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.
In the early Warring States period, the Nagao family, which was the governor of Echigo Province, built Zaodo Castle.

After Nagao Kagenobu died in Otate disturbance (a domestic trouble on who will succeed Kenshin), the area came to be ruled by Uesugi Kagekatsu.
In 1598, Hideyoshi transferred him to Aizu. Alternately, Hori Chikayoshi, a brother of Hori Hideharu, got in charge of the castle with 40000 kokus estate.

However in 1610, after Tokugawa Ieyasu got all of Japan, the Hori family deprived of part of its estate because of its domestic trouble about the heir. The area came to be ruled by the 6th son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Matsudaira Tadateru.
In 1616, Ieyasu fought with Toyotomi Hideyori in Siege of Osaka. Matsudaira Tadateru made a mistake in the battle and was deprived of his territory and his status.

Then, in Zaodo Castle, the Hori family (Hori Naoyori) became the head again with 80000 kokus estate.
Zaodo Castle was vulnerable to floods of Shinano River, so Naoyori built a new castle in Nagaoka, which was in some distance from Zaodo Castle. He established Nagaoka Domain and developed the castle town.
In 1618, Hori Naoyori was transferred to Echigo Murakami. Instead, a Fudai lord Makino Tadanari got in charge of the castle with 60000 kokus estate.

The Makino family was assigned to an important role as a Fudai lord in Echigo Province and got additional 7400 kokus estate. It ruled the area until the Meiji Restoration. At the end of the Edo period, its chief retainer Kawai Tsuginosuke tried to resist to the new government army composed of Satsuma Domain and Choshu Domain. He fought over Shinano River.

※Kawai Tsuginosuke

However, Nagaoka Castle was attacked by Yamagata Aritomo’s warship of Choshu Domain. It burned out and Nagaoka Domain surrendered.
In the 1st year of the Meiji period, the domain was forgiven, but its estate was reduced to 24000 kokus. Regarding of Kawai Tsuginosuke, he fought well using the latest army, but finally was defeated. He died on the way Aizu for a wound which he got in the battle.

Now, Nagaoka station stands at the place where the castle stood. There are few traces of it, but the stone wall is used as a base of Nagaoka City Local Museum.

※Nagaoka City Local Museum

[Address,access]
1 Ote Dori, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture 940-0062

[Map]

[Description]
Murakami Castle used to stand on a hill in current Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture. It was the domain office of Murakami Domain in the Edo period.
It was built by the Honjo family in the middle of the Warring States period.

The Honjo family had served the Nagao family and the Uesugi family. However, after Uesugi Kenshin united Echigo, in the 11th year of the Eiroku period (1568), Honjo Shigenaga suddenly raised the standard of the revolt to Kenshin.

He was besieged for a year. Finally he surrendered. He was forgiven for sending his heir Akinaga as a hostage. In the 3rd year of the Keicho period (1598), Uesugi Kagekatsu was transferred to Aizu and Honjo Shigenaga followed him.

After that, Hori HIdeharu received Echigo and assigned his man Murakami Yorikatsu the head of the castle. Yorikatsu repaired the castle into early modern style. After the 2nd year of the Keian period (1649), the head of the castle changed again and again. At the end of the Edo period, the Naito family ruled it.

In the Boshin War, the domain split into the shogunate group and the new government group. The shogunate group thought they couldn’t resist to the new government army, so burned the castle and escaped to Shonai Domain.

Then they joined Shonai Domain army and fought with the new government army on Uetsu Border.
Murakami castle burned in the Hokuetsu War (Boshin War) and destroyed in the early Meiji period.

[Address,access]
Nino Town, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture 958-0835

[Map]

[Description]
Kitanosho Castle used to stand in Chuo, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture.
Oda Nobunaga’s retainer Shibata Katsuie received it for his achievement of suppressing Ikko riot after the Asakura family got extinct.

In the 3rd year of the Tensho period (1575), he rebuilt the castle. After that, he extended the territory to Noto and Ecchu as an Hokuriku Region agent of the Oda family. After Uesugi Kenshin in Echigo died, his heir Uesugi Kagekatsu fought with Katsuie on Ecchu Province.

Meanwhile, in the 10th year of the Tensho period (1582), Oda Nobunaga was killed by his man Akechi Mitsuhide in the Honnoji Incident. Katsuie made peace with the Uesugi family to go back to his main base Kitanosho Castle to take revenge of Nobunaga.

While he was preparing to go to Kyoto in Kitanosho Castle, Hashiba Hideyoshi, the Chugoku Region agent, defeated Mitsuhide in the Battle of Yamazaki.

After that, Hideyoshi and Katsuie conflicted with each other hard. In the 11th year of the Tensho period (1583), they fought in the Battle of Shizugatake and Katsuie was defeated. He committed suicide with his wife Oichinokata in Kitanosho Castle. After his death, Aoki Kazunori got in charge of the castle.

Later, it became the time of Tokugawa Ieyasu. In the 6th year of the Keicho period (1601), Yuki Hideyasu rebuilt Kitanosho Castle where the old one stood, so there are few traces of Katsuie’s castle.

After that, Kitanosho Castle was renamed Fukui Castle and lived by the Matsudaira family with 680000 kokus estate until the end of the Edo period. In addition, the ruin of Shibata time is used as Shibata Park.

【Location of Kitanosho Castle】
1-21-17 Chuo, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture 910-0006

【Map of Kitanosho Castle】

[Explanation]
Komatsu Castle is a castle located in Marunouchi Town, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
It is said that it was built by “Wakabayashi Nagato Nokami” of Kaga Ikki Ikkon (Honganji) in Tenshou 4th year 1576.

In the same year, Oda Nobunaga’s vassalist Shibata Katsuya was ordered to reunify Kaga nation with the power of Toshiie Maeda, Narimasa Sasa, Mitsuharu Yoriki, and magnificently succeeded. When Oda Nobunaga is doubted at Honnouji Incident,Heaven becomes Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Echizen and Kaga’s country is also becomes Hideyoshi’s.

Murakami and Niwa were the castle owners in Komatsu Castle. When the battle of Sekigahara broke out during Keicho 5 (1600), Niwa was transferred to Touhoku, and when entering the Edo period, it was incorporated into the Kaga clan territory. In the first year of Ganwa (1615) it will become an abandoned castle once it is an only castle in feudal domain.

However, in 16th year of Kanei (1639), rebuilding began under the permission of the shogunate with the name of a retirement castle of the 2nd lord lord “Maeda Toshitsune”, and a massive renovation took place. After Toshitsune’s death the castle became the castle of the Kanazawa clan and a castle number was always placed, and it reached the end of the Edo period through the Bakumatsu period.

In addition, Komatsu castle was also set up as a castle and seems to have been a fairly large castle. At present, its remains and preserved condition are not good, but the castle table, stone walls, Inner moat etc. are left.

[Address,access]
Marunouchi Town, Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture 923-0903

[Map]

[Explanation ]
Matsukura Castle is one of “Etchū 3 best Mountain Castle” in the mountain which was in Uozu city, Toyama Prefecture.
It flourished around East Etchū as the residence of Shiina after the Nanbokuchou Era.

When entering the Warring States Period, belonging to Uesugi Kenshin, “Shiina Yasutane” turned over to Kai’s “Takeda Shingen”, attacked by the Uesugi Army, the castle surrendered, and Koutane escaped. This put an end to long governance by Shiina. After Shiina retired, Kenshin’s vassal “Kawada Nagachika” became the castle owner, and in the Tensho eighth year (1580) it undergoes the attack of “Jinbo Unagazumi”, but it skillfully repulsed them.

Tensho 10 years (1582), Oda family warrant Okuda family’s warlord “Shibata Katsuie” attacked Uozu castle, castle was destroyed. “Matsukura Castle” also fell into the hands of the Oda Army after the destruction of Uozu castle.

In the same year, “Honnōji incident” broke out in Yamashiro country (Kyoto), when Nobunaga Oda was hit by Mitsuhide Akechi, the Shibata Army began withdrawing from Ecchu. This confusion caused Matsukura castle to take back the Uesugi family at once. However, the following year, in 1583 “Sasa Narimasa” raised the army of Ecchu unification, the castle of Matsukura “Mitsuchika Suda” surrendered to the castle.

Shigemasa moved the base of Ecchu from “Matsukura Castle” in Yamashiro to “Uozu Castle” and carried out maintenance of the castle town and renovation of the castle. By this, it is said that Matsukura Castle became abandoned.

[Address,access]
3-2 Azashiroyama Uozu City, Toyama Prefecture, 9337-0834

[Map]

[Description]
In the mountain castle that was in Obama City, Fukui Prefecture, Genso Yamashiro prospered as a residence of Mr. Takeda of Wakasa Guardian.
Because Honmaru was built on the mountaintop, a large-scale lodging (Ujiyakata Takeda) was established at the foot of the mountain where the castle owners lived in peace there.

Takeda of Wakasa guardian continued with “motomitsu” “Nobutoyo” “Yoshimune” “motoaki” until the beginning of the Warring States period, but when Genmei was surrounded, he was attacked from the “Ekizen’s Asakura Yoshikage” and he was taken to Echizen.

When Oda Nobunaga destroys Asakura Yoshikage, “Takeda Motoaki” will be the nobunaga’s vassal, but Wakasa country which was the primary did not return.
Nobunaga’s Deputy Minister “Niwa Nagahide” was appointed to the Nochise Mountain castle owner and endeavored to expand and improve the castle. When Nobunaga was battled by Akechi Mitsuhide at Tensho Tenji (1582) Honnoji Temple, Masaaki joined Mt. Mitsuhide and also attacked Sawayama Castle.

Hashiba Hideyoshi returned to the center by “returning to China” and Mitsuhide was destroyed with the Akechi family when Nobunagu was avenged at Nobunaga’s fighting battle. When Hideyoshi gets control of the heavens, “Asano Nagamasa” and “Kinoshita Katsutoshi” were appointed to the castle of the mountain. When the Tokugawa Ieyasu won the battle of Sekigahara during Keicho 5 (1600), Wakasa Ikkoku was given to “Kyogoku Kouji”.

Kouji initially enters “Nochise Mountain Castle”, but later he asked Ieyasu to start building the “Obama castle”. However, it took quite a long time until the castle was completed, still based on “Nochise Mountain castle.”

The completion of Obama castle is in the era of Mr. Sakai. However, after the completion of Obama castle, Nochise Mountain castle remained as it was without being destroyed. The reason why it was not destroyed is that it was said that there was an idea to use Nochise Mountain castle at the summit as a fort during emergencies.

[Address,access]
Fushihara in Ohama City Fukui Prefecture 917-0054

[Map]

[Description]
Matsuto Castle is a castle in Hakusan castle town, Ishikawa prefecture.
It is said that Matsutoya Norihiko built it in the early Kamakura period.

Tensho 8th year (1580) Oda family’s Hokuriku region Supervisor “Shibata Katsuya” dropped Matsushige Castle, the vassal’s “Tokuyama Norihide” came in. After that, when Hideyoshi Hoshiba and Shibata Katsuya broke out in the 11th year of Tensho (1583), Hideyoshi won overwhelmingly, the Katsue destroyed himself in Kitano Castle.
Originally Katsue “Maeda Toshiya” indirectly sidelined by Hideyoshi by looking at the battle this time, and Matsutoyo Castle 40 thousand Jewels were given to the eldest son “Toshiki” as its award. In the battle of Sekigahara in Keicho 5 (1600), the Maeda family kept the house with the Tokugawa family.

“Naoshi Akasato” which belonged to the army of the Otani Yoshinobu (West Army) in this battle is reformed after the defeat, but Maeda Toshinaga is greeted at 7 thousand stones and appointed Matsushige Castle. In addition, when entering the Edo era, the first national castle decree was issued and Matsushige Castle became abandoned.

Currently it is being developed as “Matsushige Castle Ruins Park”.

[Address,access]
Shiroki town, Hakusan city, Ishikawa Prefecture 924 0872

[Map]

[Description]
Kanegasaki Castle is a mountain castle located in Kanegasaki Town, Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture.
It is said that it was the first time that “Hiradori Sakari” built a castle here for the fight against “Kiso Yoshinaka” at the start of Fukuiken disorder (Genpei battle).

In the Nanboku era, “Ashikaga Takauji” went up to Kyoto, so Yoshisada Nitta escaped to Hokuriku along with Prime Minor and Prince Takaharu entered the Kanagasaki castle. Kenmu 3rd year (1336) Ashikaga’s “Shiba Takastune” in Echizen Guardian started attacking Kanagasaki castle and besieged the castle. After all, the castle falls, afterwards “Kai” of the Echizen guardian’s will be the castle owner.

When entering the Sengoku Era, the power of Echizen Guardian will weaken, Asakura Kanetsugu will become a real guardian. In Kanagasaki Castle “Asakura” was placed as Asakura’s castle.
When Yokota Nobunaga invaded Echizen like Angry Waves (1570), “Kanagasaki Castle” was castled and Shingenba retreated to Higashihisa the first country of origin. However, just around that time, “Asai’s Nagamasa” moved away from Nobunaga and planned to pinch it with Asakura. Nobunaga withdrew only a small number of vassals to Kyoto alone.

Nobunaga who arranged the organization once again invaded Echizen again, dropped Kanagasaki Castle and attacked to the first ride of the valley. Asakura has ruin here. The current Kanegasaki Castle Ruins have been converted into parks, and there are remnants such as bends and ruins.

[Address,access]
Izumi Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture 914-0072

[Map]

[Description]
Takaoka castle is a castle on the plain in Takaoka city in Toyama Prefecture.
Keicho 10th year (1605) was the first Kaga lord who retired to Toyama Castle “Maeda Toshinaga”, but burned down the majority of the buildings in the castle due to the Toyama castle firing in Keicho 14th year (1609). For this reason, the Toshinaga moved to “Uozu castle” for a while.

Later in Tokugawa shogunate as a retirement castle “Takaoka castle” was requested to be built, as soon as permission went down, the castle was started and the Toshinaga moved into Takaoka castle on the way of completion in September of the same year. In addition, it was said that Takaoka Castle was the territory of Takaya Castle “Takayama Nearby” which was then welcomed as a Maeda family at the time.

※Takaokajo Shiromoto ruins

The Toshinaga died in Keicho 19th year (1614) in May, it was a very short time that it was actually used as a retirement castle. Takaoka castle was regarded as the abandoned castle under the Ikkokuchi Ordinance issued by the shogunate in the first year of (1615).

The structure of the castle consists of inner citadel, Outer citadel, Outermost region of the castle, and two exits, and it was a large-scale one with sumps. The current castle site has been developed as “Takaoka Old castle park” and has been designated as a national historic site.

※Maeda Toshinaga Bronze statue

[Address,access]
1-1-1 Kojo Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, 933-0044

[Map]

[Explanation]
It is a mountaintop castle on the Tezutsu mountain of Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture.
It played a role as a castle for “Kanagasaki Castle” of Asakura clan connected at the mountain ridge.

The exact time of construction is unknown, but it is stated as Ashikaga clan built a castle to start attacking “Nitta Yoshisada” based on Kanagasaki Castle. First year of Genki Era (1570) April, Oda Nobunaga carried out asakura attack by a large army including the army of Ieyasu Tokugawa, and the forefront of the attack was the Tezutsu mountain castle of Asakura, and the castle keeper was “Terada Unemese”.

Tezutsu mountain castle was naturally hard to penetrate so it became a great fierce battle, but the Oda’s large army finally succeeded in capturing this castle then entered the attack of Kanagasaki castle from behind. At this time, “Azai Nagamase” of North allied with the Oda family suddenly turned the opposition to Nobunaga and entered the position to pinch the Oda army with Asakura Yoshikage.

Nobunaga, who took notice of this move as soon as possible, retired to Kyoto with a few soldiers and took a break. Since then, a fierce battle by Asakura-Asai army and Oda • Tokugawa army forces will last for several years.

In addition, it is believed that Tezutsu Mountain Castle became abandoned after this fight. The current castle ruins are being used as park (Kanegasaki Park), and remains such as man-made water channel and watchtowers remains.

[Address,access]
Izumi Mountain (Kanegasaki Park) in Tsuruga City Fukui Prefecture 914-0071

[Map]

[Description]
Shibata Castle is located in Shibata City, Niigata Province. It is also called Ayame Castle. It is a flatland castle used the flow of Shibata River, and connected stones and soils without gap.

The castle built year is unknown, but it is considered that it was built by Mr. Shibata during the beginning of Amakura Era. It was the residence of Mr. Shibata for generations. Tensho 9 year (1581), Shibata Shigeie attacked Uesugi Kagekatsu.

Tensho 15 year (1597), Shibata Castle fell down and Mr. Shibata was destroyed. After that, with the transfer of Mr. Uesugi to Aizu, Keicho 2 year (1597), Mizoguchi Hidekatus entered castle with 60000 stones.

Mizoguchi Hidekatus built Shibata Castle as a base. Shoou 3 year (1654) the castle was completed. And after that it was burnt for twice and rebuilt.

Meiji 6 year (1873), due to the Castle Abandon Order by Meiji government, only gate, Ninomaru oar, stones were left, the buildings and others things were all destroyed.

Shibata Castle did not have Tenshu. Shoou 3 year (1654), the newly built castle was burnt and destroyed in Kanbun 8 year. The current castle was built in Enpo 7 year (1679). Recently a repair plan was carried out and Heisei 16 year (2004), it was open to the public.

It was selected as the 31st famous Japanese castles in Heisei 18 year (2006).

[Address,access]
Oute Town, Shibata City, Niigata Province

[Map]

[Description]
Fukui Castle is a flatland castle located in Fukui City, Fukui Province. A part of castle is still left.It was famous for being the town under the castle of Mr. Matsudaira of Echizen during Edo Period.

After Oda Nobunaga destroyed [Asakura Yoshikage] who was the guardian of Echizen, Akechi Mitsuhide served Kitanosho Castle. However, instead of Castle it was more like a Toride.

After that, Tensho 3 year (1575), [Hashita Katsuie] was given Echizen Country and he greatly renovated Kitanosho Castle. Tensho 11 year (1583), Katsuie was defeated at [the Battle of Shizugatake] and he committed suicide with his wife.

When Katsuie was destroyed, [Aoki Kazunori] was appointed as the castle owner. Hideyoshi died in Keicho 5 year (1600), Ishida Mitsunari was defeated, and later when Toyotomi Hideyori was destroyed at Osaka Summer Jin, Winter Jin, Tokugawa Ieyasu united the country.

eyasu gave his second son [Yuki Hideyasu] 680000 stones. At that time, the castle was greatly renovated and it took 6 years to finish the renovation.

Kanei 1 year (1624), the third clan master of Fukui Clan [Matsudaira Tadamasa] changed the castle name from Kitanosho Castle to [Fukui Castle]. After that, the area was ruled by Mr. Matsudaira for generations until the end of Shogun. In addition, [Matsudaira Yoshinaga] was famous of being an intelligent leader.

Bending wheel, stones, moats, well are left on the current Fukui Castle Ruins and a park is built.

[Address,access]
〒910-0005 3-17-1 Oute, Fukui City, Fukui Province

[Map]