[Explanation]
As you can see in Marugame castle, the stone wall is very high and the castle tower has been built. The height of the stone wall is known to be the highest in Japan.

Castle tower itself is a small petite and the smallest guardian in the Mie castle Tower. Inner moat surrounded inner citadel, there was a samurai residence around that, but most of it was demolished in Meiji era.

In the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it became the territory of the Ikoma family, the main castle was Takamatsu Castle, and Marugame castle existed as the castle of Takamatsu Castle. Later, during the Edo Period several Daimyo came, but in 1658, the prestigious Kyogoku family of Omi entered in 60 thousand stones and enter the Meiji Restoration.

In Heisei 18th Era (2006), it was selected as “Japan’s No. 78th among Japan’s 100 Great castle”.

As stated above the height of the stone wall is not ordinary. I hesitated too to climb to Inner citadel. However, the view from the castle was a very wonderful landscape. I hope you visit it by all means.

[Address,access]
1 Marugame city, Kagawa prefecture 763 – 0025

[Map]

[Description]
Matsuyama Castle is a castle located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, and is also known as Kinki Katsuyama Castle (Katsuyama Jojo), and it is also counted as’ Nihon 3 Mt. Obira Castle’. It is also known as’ Iyo Matsuyama Castle’ because it is one of the 12 castles located at the top of the mountain and distinguished from Matsuyama Castle in various places.

In 1602, the lord of Masaki Castle, Iyo Province (Matsumae), the lord of Castle (Matsumae), was increased from 10 koku to 20 koku in the battle of Sekigahara, and his vassal, “Adachi Shigenobu,” was appointed as a castle fushin bugyo (magistrate of the castle), and he began to construct a castle of the Hirayama style, and the place named’ Matsuyama’ was called’ Matsuyama,’ and the place name Matsuyama was officially established in this area, called’ Matsuyama.’ 7 Kato Yoshiaki.

However, in 1627, when Yoshiaki was transferred to the Aizu Domain, he changed to the position of’ Gamo Tadatomo (grandchild of Gamo Ujisato),’ and in August 1634, Tadatomo died suddenly in the middle of his life as a feudal lord, and in August, the lord of the Gamo clan, the lord of the Kamo-jo Castle, died on the way of Matsuyama Castle as the lord of the Gamo family, Tai Kato Okio, died of the sudden death of Tadatomo in September 11. 4 24.

In July 1635,’ Matsudaira Sadayuki’ entered into the territory with 15 koku, and the Matsudaira family ruled this area until the Meiji Restoration, and in the northern part of Honmaru on the top of the mountain, there were Tenshu Kuruwa, a tenshu (a castle tower), and Mahadeva no kami, small tenshu, Minamiumi yagura, Kita corner yagura were connected by 3 crossing corridors, and a coalition tower was made of a 12 way tenshu.

At present, the main part of the castle ruins has been maintained as a park, and 21 buildings including the tenshu have already existed, and each national important cultural property is designated as a national historic site, and the castle canopy is designated as a national historic site.

*Iyomatsuyama Castle was selected as the one hundredth best castle in Japan (81).

[Address,access]
1 Marunochi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture 790 – 0008

[Map]

[Description]
Nakamura-jo Castle was located in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture. The Ichijo family, originally residing in Kyoto, went down to Tosa Village, Tosa Province, where the turmoil of the Onin War was avoided, and this was the beginning of the Tosa Ichijo family, which was also called 「Nakamura Gosho」 from the neighborhood because the Ichijo family was a historic family.

The Ichijo family transformed into a Sengoku daimyo, continued a fierce battle between the “Chosokabe clan” of the Tosa Oko Castle and the “Motoyama clan” of the Motoyama. And when “Chosokabe Motochika” eventually started amassing power, Motoyama clan, Kira clan, Aki clan, went down one after another, until the conquest of the Tosa Province.

On the other hand, the Ichijo family was losing the trust of all the senior vassals. As such, “Kaneda” was attacked by the Chosokabe Army and depended on “Otomo Sorin” from Kyushu Bungo and was able to slip away from the castle. Motochika Chosokabe, who was the eldest son 「Tadamasa」 of Kanesada, became the successor of the Ichijo family and married off his daughter and became the guardian, and the unification of Tosa Province was established by virtue of the “Chosokabe family”.

After that, the unified battle of Shikoku was started by the Chosokabe family, but in the time when the unification was only a little bit more, Shikoku was conquered by 「Hideyoshi Toyotomi」 who boasts huge power in the center, and were utterly defeated in this battle. and after the death of the Tosa family, the’ Battle of Sekigahara’ broke out between Ieyasu Tokugawa (the Eastern army) who rapidly advances the path to becoming the single ruler and Mitsunari Ishida (the Western camp), who tried to prevent it.

At the Chosokabe family, Motochika died, and the head of the family was the fourth son, Morichika, who decided to join the Western Camp led by Mitsunari, but the Western camp was defeated in the Battle of Sekigahara, and the Western Camp came back to Tosa after the battle of Sekigahara, but the territory was confiscated, and after that,’ Yamauchi Kazutoyo’ was put into Tosa Province from the Enshu Kakegawa Castle.

Kazutoyo founded the Kochi Castle and started construction of the castle, and the castle was abandoned due to the fact that “Ichikoku Ichijo Rei” was issued, and the current Nakamura Castle Remains became “Tamematsu Park”, and the imitation Castle Tower (Shimanto City Local Museum) was built at the site of the outer citadel.

[Address,access]
Nakamura Marunochi, Shimanto City, Kochi

[Map]

[Explanation]
Takamatsu Castle is a castle in Tamamo Town, Takamatsu city, Kagawa prefecture. Also known as “Tamano castle” is designated as a national historic site. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Shikoku suppression, it was built in a port town called “Nohara” by “Ikoma Chikamasa” who became the lord of the Sanuki in Tensho 15th year (1587).

Tensho 15th year (1587), Ikoma Chikamasa is sealed by the daimyo of Sanuki for 176 thousand Jewels and enters the castle of Hiketa. In the same year, Chikamasa relocated to Shoutsuuji Castle because the castle of Hiketa was small. Tensho 16th year (1588), Shoutsuuji Castle also felt inconvenient, on Tougun Noharano’s manor Seaweed beach they started the construction of the Takamatsu castle, completed in Tensho 18th year (1590).

Kanei 16th year (1639), Ikoma’s 4th Takatoshi’s time, “Ikoma Soudou” broke out, it was sealed down by 10,000 Jewels of the Yashima clan with the Dewa country, and it was transferred. After that, Matsudaira Yorishige, a child of the first lord of the Mito domain “Tokugawa Yorifusa”, entered with 120 thousand Jewels and started to develop the castle.

The remnant which is presently found has been remodeled by “Matsudaira Yorishige” which was transferred from Hitachi country to 120,000 Jewels in Takamatsu in the early Edo era. In 9th year of Kanbun (1669), a castle tower of the 3rd floor and 5th floor imitating Ogura castle is completed. Around this time, Yorishige retreats, and “Rurin Park” is built in the southwest of the castle as a retirement place. In early modern times, citadel’s sea castle was the largest, the castle tower that stood in the inner citadel was more than just a castle tower, it was “Chinese design”.

After that, Takamatsu Castle has been crowned with Matsudaira as castle owner for a period of time, and the Meiji Restoration is on its way. In the battle of “Toba Fushimi” at the end of the Tokugawa period, because of the daimyo of the Shinpan clan, the shogunate army will be regarded as the enemy. However, after this, decided to appoint a new government to the side, castle was bloodlessly capitulated by Tosa clan soldier.

At present, some buildings such as the Mie watchtower and the gate and some stone walls and moats exist, and the castle site is maintained as “Tamado Park.” (It is selected as No. 97 castle from Japan No. 100)

[Address,access]
2-1 Tamamo Town Takamatsu city, Kagawa Prefecture 760-0030

[Map]

[Description]
Noshima Castle in Seto Inland Sea and was base of Takeyoshi Murakami, Geni Murakami’s master. Formally well-connected with Kono clan from Iyo, they were semi-independent when Sengoku era started.

They helped Mori achieve victory with Harutaka Sue in the battle of Miyajijma when Mohri did not have any power. They remained on good terms with Takakage Kobayakawa, part of Mori clan after the battle.

Takeyoshi collected income from ships crossing Seto Inland Sea and bodyguarding, but lost all sources of income through Seto sea when Hideyoshi Toyotomi banned all pirate activities.

They were surrounded by Mori clan due to disobedience, but in the end, their fate was same as Mori’s. Since known for their pirate activities, they were not liked by Hideyoshi. They were outcasted to all over the country, but Takakage Kobayakawa supported them.

Towards the end of Sengoku era, Noshima Castle was abandoned and Noshima became a no-man’s island. No one took over the land, even in Meiij era.

After Takeyoshi Murakami, his second son Kagechika took over and Murakami clan continued to serve Mori clan. His first son Motohashi sided with east, and died while attacking Yoshiaki Kato’s castle, Matsumae Castle in Iyo.

[Address,access]
6574 Miyakubo, Imabari-shi, Aichi 794-2203

[Map]

[Description]
Tokushima Castle is a castle ruin that lies on the towhead of Yoshino River. It used to be under the control of Kawano Family from Iyo in Kamakura era, but Yoriyuki Hosokawa took over in Muromachi era and built a foundation of Tokushima Castle.

When Sengoku era started, the lands of Awa, Sanuki, and Kinki were influenced by Nagayoshi Miyoshi, a minister that served Hosokawa family, followed by Matsunaga Hisahide, who climbed up the ranks from secretary to minister of Miyoshi family.

Meanwhile, Motochika Chousokabe from Tosa took over the land of Awa and Sanuki. In 1585, Hideyoshi Toyotomi force marched to the Shikoku area. After surrendering to Toyotomi force Motochika Chousokabe was allowed to control the Tosa area.

Iemasa Hachisuka, the son of Koroku Hachisuka was rewarded the land of Awa following the battles in Shikoku. The land remained with Hachisuka clan throughout Edo era till Meiji Restoration.

Tokushika castle was demolished in Meiji era, and the ruins are part of Tokushima Central Park as of today. Tokushima has been selected as one of top 100 castles of Japan.

[Address,access]
Jyounai, Tokushima-shi, Tokushima, 770-0851

[Map]

[Description]
Hiwasa Castle was located in Awa, today’s Kaifu-gun, Tokushima. Records are unclear on how it was built. Rumor has it that Hizen official, Hiwasa built this castle in Muromachi era.

In November 1577, Chikayasu Kosokabe, who was a minister and brother of Motochika Chosakabe, invaded Kaifu. The Hiwasa clan accepted defeat and was promised ownership of the land. The Hiwasa clan moved to Tosa to serve for the Chosakabe clan.

When Motochika Chosakabe’s rulership downsized only to Tosa due to the Shikoku conquest by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Iemasa Hachisuka, new ruler of Awa, suggested the Hiwasa clan to move back to Awa.

The Hiwasa clan began to work for the Hachisuka clan, and rewarded 500,000 Goku along with the samurai status.
Today’s Hiwasa Casle is an imitation which looks different from the one in Sengoku era.

[Address,access]
Shiroyama Park 445-1 Hiwasaura Minami-cho Kaifu-gun, Tokushima

[Map]

[Description]
Kawashima Castle (Uezakura Castle) was located in Kawashima-cho Yoshinogawa-shi, Tokushima. It was originally owned by Nagafusa Shinohara who served for Jikkyu Miyoshi, brother of Nagayoshi Miyoshi.

Nagafusa Fujiwara led the Awa and Sanuki forces to Kinki areas to conquer and supported the Miyoshi administrative. Upon the death of his master, Jikkyu Miyoshi, Nagafusa was besieged by Jikkyu’s son, Nagaharu Miyoshi, Nagayasu Sogo, and Saneyuki Hosokawa and committed suicide.

Nagafusa was convicted because of Jiton Fujiwara’s deceptions. After Nagafusa passed away, Uezakura Castle was destroyed, and a new castle called Kawashima Castle was built by Koretada Kawashima who was rewarded for his contribution on defeating Nagafusa.

Iemasa Hachisuka was given Awa as a reward for conquering Shikoku by Hideyoshi Toyotomi. As Ikkoku Ichijo Regulation (Law of One Castle per Province) was enacted, Kawashima Castle was abandoned. The Tokushima Han built an administrative office at the exact site, and it was in operation until Meiji era.

Kawashima Castle we can see today is an imitation for the tourism purpose.

[Address,access]
136-1 Kawashima Kawashima-cho Yoshinogawa-shi, Tokushima 779-3301

[Map]

[Description]
Motoyama Castle used to stand in current Motoyama, Motoyama Town, Nagaoka District, Kochi Prefecture. It was lived in by the Motoyama family.
In the Warring States period, the head Motoyama Shigetoki moved to Asakura Castle to invade the center of Tosa Prefecture. He fought hard with Chosokabe Motochika of Okayama Castle for the area.

Finally, in the repeating battles, he couldn’t afford to resist to Motochika. He burned Asakura Castle and went back to Motoyama Castle.
After Shigetoki died, his nephew Motoyama Chikashige succeeded him. Motochika continued attacking. At last, the Motoyama family surrendered and joined the Chosokabe family.

The Castle was abandoned and now there are only a few traces.

[Address,access]
Kitaji, Tosa City, Kochi Prefecture 781-1111

[Map]

[Explanation]
Kazutoyo Yamauchi received Tosa from Ieyasu Tokugawa because of his achievement at the battle of Sekigahara, and he entered Urado castle that was owned by Motochika and Morichika Chosokabe at that time. But in 1601 he started to build a new castle on mount Otakasaka, and when Honmaru and Ninomaru were completed in 1603, he moved there from Urado castle.

Tosa was territory of Motochika and Morichika Chosokabe, so he struggled to govern Tosa. He applied a strict class system, where Chosokabe-shi’s former retainers were to be Goshi, and the vassals of the Yamauchi family were classified as Joshi.

Many of the people that played an important role during Bakumatsu were from Goshi.
The famous examples include Ryuma Sakamoto, Shintaro Nakaoka, Mitsuaki Tanaka, Yotaro Iwasaki.

■ Urado Castle ruins, where Motochika and Morichika Chosokabe resided.

浦戸城：土佐の戦国大名長宗我部元親・長宗我部盛親の居城 浦戸城石碑 【お城特集 日本の歴史】

[Address,access]
1-2-1 Marunouchi, Kochi-shi, Kochi

[Map]

[Explanation]
Chosokabe-shi’s original base was Oko castle, but they moved their base to Urado castle after defeating Motoyama-shi.

This castle was used until Morichika Chosokabe’s period right after the battle of Sekigahara. However when Chosokabe-shi became subject to Kaieki, Kazutoyo Yamauchi became the owner and built Kochi castle instead, so Urado castle was demolished and only a small part remains now.

[Address,access]
Urado, Kochi-shi, Kochi

[Map]

[Decription]
Yuzuki Castle is a flatland castle located in Dogo Town, Matsuyama City, Ehime Province.
Kenmu 2 year (1335), it was built by [Kono Michimori], the guardian of Iyo Country.

Tensho 4 year (1535), [Kono Michinao] prepared it as a formal castle. When entering Sengoku Era, Mr. Kono was the guardian Daimyo. There were lots of people like Mr. Utsunomiya, Mr. Saionji who did not follow Mr. Kono, therefore, he could not be a complete Sengoku Daimyo.

Tensho 9 year (1581), [Chosokabe Motochika] who aimed to unite Shikoku attacked Iyo. After that, the battle between Mr. Kono and Mr. Chosokabe started. After Motochika suppressed Tosa, Awa, he focused army in Iyo, and finally surrendered [Kono Michinao].

Tensho 13 year (1585), Hashiba Hideyoshi broke out Shikoku Battle, [Kobayakawa Takakage] accepted Hideyoshi’s order and attacked Iyo. Finally, after fierce fought with [Kaneko Motoie] he took Kaneko Castle. He spent almost 1 month fighting in Yuzuki Castle and in the end the castle fell down.

When Shikoku Battle was finished, Kobayakawa Takakage was given Iyo, and Michinao was protected by Takakage. However, Tensho 15 year (1587), after Michinao died, there was no one can took over. Therefore, Mr. Kono was destroyed.

When Takakage decided to transfer to Chikuzen Country, Tensho 15 year (1587), [Fukushima Masanori] served in Iyo and because he named [Kokubuyama Castle] as the main base, Yuzuki Castle became abandoned. When entering Meiji Period, [Province Dogo Park] was built on Yuzuki Castle ruins. And some soil and moats are still left.

Yuzuki Castle was selected as the No.80 famous castle in Japan.

[Address,access]
Dogo Town, Matsuyama City, Ehime Province

[Map]

[Description]
Matsumae Castle is a flatland castle located in Matsumae Town, Iyo Gun, Ehime Province. The castle built time is unknown, but it is recorded that during the South and North Dynasties, the castle owner was [Oumori Hikoshichi] and [Goda Yashiro].

It was the sub-castle of Mr. Kono during Sengoku Period. Tensho 13 year (1585), when Toyotomi Hideyoshi broke out [Shikoku Battle], [Kobayakawa Takakage] attacked Iyo Country, but soon he was transferred to Chikuzen Country. [Awano Hidemochi] entered Matsumae Castle at 70000 stones.

However, Awano Hidemochi was involved in [Toyotomi Hidetsugu]’s incident and he was killed. Bunroku 4 year (1595), [Kato Yoshiaki] became the castle owner. Keicho 5 year (1600), Kato Yoshiaki belonged to [Tokugawa Ieyasu] at the Battle of Sekigahara.
[Tsukuda Kazunari] followed Mr. Kono and Mr. Mouri, was attacked by [Murakami navy] but he defended.

Keicho 8 year (1603), Yoshiaki built [Matsuyama Castle]. In order to move his main castle to Matsuyama Castle, he abandoned Matsumae Castle. Nowadays, the castle remainings have almost nothing left, only [Matsumae Castle Trace] monument and board can be seen.

[Address,access]
1440 Tsutsui, Matsumae Town, Iyo Gun, Ehime Province.

[Map]

[Description]
Ichinomiya Castle is a typical mountain castle that used natural geographical advantages. It is located in Ichinomiya Town, Tokushima City, Tokushima Province.
It is said that [Ogasawara Nagamune] destroyed [Ichinomiya Munenari] and built the castle in Engen 3 year.

After that[ Ogasawara Nagamune] named Mr. Ichinomiya and lived in Ichinomiya Castle for generations. [Ogasawara Nagamune] belonged to the South during the south and North Dynasties, and he was attacked by [Hosokawa Yoriharu] of the North.
Ryakuo 3 year (1340), Hosokawa army defeated Ogasawara Yoshimori of Ounichi Castle, and Mr. Ounishi of Hakuchi Castle as well as Ichinomiya Castle. Thanks to the natural advantage, Ichinomiya castle did not fall down, and Yoriharu’s son [Hosokawa Yoriyuki] signed alliance with Mr. Ichinomiya. [Ichinomiya Narimune] gave his power to his son [Ichinomiya Nariyuki]. After that, Mr. Ichinomiya became the head of the North.

When entering Sengoku Era, Mr. Miyoshi as the guardian expanded his influence, Mr. Ichinomiya established marrital relationship Mr. Miyoshi. On the other hand, when [Miyoshi Nagaharu] became the head of Awa Country, the vassal group of Mr. Miyoshi was divided, [Hosokawa Saneyuki] and [Miyoshi Nagaharu] came into fight.
[Ichinomiya Narisuke] who continuted to fight for Mr. Miyoshi, but as he was defeated by [Miyoshi Nagaharu], he was enclosed by Hosokawa army and became isolated. In addition, [Chosokabe Motochika] continued expanding his influence in Tosa Country.

When Miyoshi Nagaharu died, [Sogo Masayasu] expanded his influence and fought with Mr. Ichinomiya. At that time, Mr. Ichinomiya gained the power in the central government and he belonged to [Oda Nobunaga]. He accepted Nobunaga’s order and attacked Ichinomiya Castle.
In addition, in May Tensho 10 year (1582), [Miyoshi Yasunaga] surrendered to Oda Nobunaga, and attacked Awa as the leader with [Sogo Masayasu]. [Ichinomiya Narisuke] defended Inchinomiya Castle. In June Tensho 10 year (1582), when Oda Nobunaga was attacked by Akechi Mitsuhide at [Honno Temple Chaos], [Miyoshi Yasunaga] escaped to Kinki. [Chosokabe Motochika] did not let this chance escape, he saved energy and successfully attacked Awa.

[Ichinomiya Narisuke] won military battle at Motochika’s Awa battle, but he was suspected to have relationship with Miyoshi Nagayasu. As a result, he was killed. Motochika’s important vassal [Tani Tasazumi] and [Emura Chikatoshi] were appointed in Ichinomiya Castle. [Toyotomi Hidenaga] attacked the castle with 40000 soldiers but [Ichinomiya Castle] defended itself with only 10000 soldiers. However, in June the same year, it fell down.

After Chosokabe Motochika surrendered to Hashiba Hideyoshi, in September the same year, Hashiba Hideyoshi gave Awa to [Hachisuka Iemasa], and Ichinomiya Castle became the residence of Iemasa. However, due to the inconvenience of transportation, he built [Tokushima Castle] near the harbor and Ichinomiya Castle became abandoned.
Nowadays, bending wheels, stones, empty moats, well trace are still left on the current castle ruins.

[Address,access]
Akasaka Nishiyama, Ichinomiya Town, Tokushima City, Tokushima Province

[Map]

[Explanation]
Ozu Castle was based at current Ozu in Ehime prefecture. It started when Utsunomiya-shi, the military governor of Iyo, built the castle there. Utsunomiya-shi, who was based at the souther Iyo, was once defeated by Mori-shi who conquered Chugoku region, and after that they were exiled from the land of Ozu after being attacked by Motochika Chosokabe who aimed to achieve the unification of Shikoku.

In 1585 when Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s unification of Shikoku began, the Mori family’s vassal, Takakage Kobayakawa destroyed the castle, and Ozu castle became a branch castle of the Kobayakawa family for 35 thousand koku. After when Kobayakawa-shi was moved to Kyushu region, Katsushige Toda, Takatora Todo, and Yasuharu Wakisaka ruled the region.

The castle was remodeled and became modern looking when the Todo family and the Wakisaka family were the owner. In 1671, Sadaharu kata became the owner and he continued to rule until the Meiji restoration. In Meiji period it was destroyed, but the restoration continued and the castle tower was the first wooden 4 tiered 4 story building after the war.

Daidokoro-yagura turret and Koran-yagura turret are registered as Japan’s important cultural property, and it was chosen 82nd in Japan’s 100 famous castles.

[Address,access]
903 Ozu, Ozu-shi, Ehime 795-0012

[Map]

[Description]
Kaifu Castle is a flatland-mountain castle located in Kaiyo Town, Kaifu Gun, Tokushima Province. It is said that the castle was built by [Kaifu Tomomitsu] during Eiroku Period.
Genki 2 year (1571), because Chosokabe Motochika’s younger brother [Shima Chikamasu] was ill, when he moved to Arima Hot Spring, he met strong wind from the sea. In order to avoid the wind, they stopped at Kaifu Castle. At that time, [Kaifu Tomomitsu] was the castle owner, and he attacked Chikamasu’s ship and killed him.

At that time, Mr. Kaifu followed Mr. Miyoshi, it is also said that he thought it was Mr. Chosokabe’s attack. However, Motochika was very angry and as a result, he started attacking Awa Country.

Tensho 5 year (1577), Motochika finally successfully took Kaifu Castle. In addition, he appointed his younger brother’s vassal [Kosokabe Chikayasu] as the castle owner and used the castle as a base to suppress Awa. However, Chikayasu moved the base to [Ushiki Castle] soon after.

Tensho 13 year (1585), Toyotomi Hideyoshi launched Shikoku Battle and Chosokabe Motochika got enclosed in Tosa, and Awa was given to [Hachisuka Iemasa]. Mr. Hachisuka ruled Kaifu Castle and Kaifu area for generations.

When entering Edo Era, Kaifu Castle was abandoned due to One Country One Castle policy, instead Kaifu Jinya was built nearby. Nowadays, only bending wheel, soil trace can be seen on the current castle ruins.

[Address,access]
Tomoura, Kaiyo Town, Kaifu Gun, Tokushima Province

[Map]

[Description]
Ushiki Castle is a flatland-mountain castle located in Tono Town, Tomioka Town, Annan City, Tokushima Province.
The castle built year is unknown but it is said that it was built by Shingai Saneshige who belonged to Mr. Hosokawa in Awa during Shitoku Period.
When entering Sengoku Era, the influence of Mr. Hosokawa was declined, instead [Miyoshi Nagayoshi]’s influence was expanded. It is considered that Mr. Shingai also belonged to Mr. Miyoshi. Tensho 3 year (1575), [Chosokabe Motochika] started attacked Awa and Kaifu Castle and others gradually fell down.

Tensho 8 year (1580), Motochika even attacked Ushiki Castle, at that time the castle owner [Shingai Sanetsuna (Shingai Dozen)] was surrendered and opened the castle. However, Motochika killed Sanetsuna. He moved [Kosokabe Chikayasu] to Ushiki Castle from Kaifu Castle in order to suppress the frontline of Awa.

Tensho 13 year (1585), Toyotomi Hideyoshi launced Shikoku Battle and Chosokabe Motochika’s castle fell down. When Kosokabe Chikayasu saw this, he escaped to Tosa.

Because of the military award, [Hachisuka Iemasa] was given Awa Country, and [Kashima Masayoshi] was given 10000 stones and appointed as the castle officer. After Masayoshi entered the castle he changed Ushiki to Tomioka, therefore, Ushiki Castle also called [Tomioka Castle].
When entering Edo Era, Kanei 15 year (1638), [Ushiki Castle] was abandoned due to the One Country One Castle policy. A viewing platform and [Ushiki Castle Park] is built on the current castle ruins. However, castle remains have nothing left.

[Address,access]
〒774-0030 24-21 Tono Town, Tomioka Town, Annan City, Tokushima Province

[Map]

[Description]
Shozui Castle is a flatland castle located in Shozui, Aizumi Town, Itano Gun, Tokushima Province. It was the representative castle from Kamakura Period to Sengoku Era when being the center of politics of Awa Country.
There are various theories about the castle built time, but after Jokyu Chaos, Ogasawara Nagakiyo built the guardian building was the most persuasive theory. After that, when entering Muromachi Era, Mr. Hosokawa reigned as a guardian and built it.

When Onin Chaos ended and entered Sengoku Era, because [Hosokawa Masamoto] did not have son, he adopted 3 children. These 3 sons broke out a big dispute over Masamoto. In the end, [Hosokawa Harumoto] and his vassal [Miyoshi Motonaga] occupied Kyoto, and Harumoto settled in Ashikaga Shogun.
Although Motonaga supported Harumoto, he was killed by Harumoto. It is said that it was because the influence of Motonaga was becoming bigger and bigger. [Miyoshi Nagayoshi] inherited Motonaga and he exiled Harumoto who killed his father from Kyoto and got real power to rule the whole Kinai area.

On the other hand, Tenmon 21 year (1552), in Awa Country, [Hosokawa Mochitaka] became the castle owner of [Shozui Castle], and [Miyoshi Jkkyu], the bother of [Miyoshi Nagayoshi] has the real power. However, in August the same year, Miyoshi Jkkyu betrayed and killed [Hosokawa Mochitaka] and occupied [Shozui Castle]. Therefore, Mr. Hosokawa was destroyed. Eiroku 5 year (1562), [Miyoshi Jkkyu] attacked Izumi Country, and died at the Battle of Kumeda. Miyoshi Nagaharu became the castle owner. At that time, Oda Nobunaga followed Ashikaga Yoshiaki and expanded his influence.

Mr. Miyoshi lost his influence in Kinai after [Oda Nobunaga] came out, and he also lost influence in Shozui Castle. Tensho 4 year (1576), [Hosokawa Saneyuki] left Shozui Castle and decided to be independent. In March Tensho 5 year (1577), Miyoshi Nagaharu died.
Tensho 10 year (1582), [Chosokabe Motochika] who united Dosa attacked Awa Country and got [Shozui Castle]. After that, [Shozui Catle] of Motochika became abandoned.

The center of Awa was a castle town and it was prospered greatly as a base for Mr. Hosokawa for 9 generations, For Mr. Miyoshi for 3 generations. Mr. Miyoshi’s Buddhist temple is left on Honmaru trace, and well and soil can still be seen on the current castle ruins.

[Address,access]
〒771-1273 Shozui, Aizumi Town, Itano Gun, Tokushima Province

[Map]

[Description]
Matsuba Castle is a mountain castle located in Shitamatsuba, Uwa Town, Seiyo City, Ehime Province.
The castle built year is unknown, but it is said that it was built by [Saionji Kintsune] during Kamakura Era.

Mr. Saionji was also Sengoku Daimyo like Mr. Ichijo. When entering Sengoku Era, [Saionji Sanemitsu] moved the castle from Matsuba Castle to Kurose Castle.

Koji 2 year (1556), he fought over the territory with [Utsunoyami Toyotsuna] and during the battle, his son [Kintaka] was killed and they were defeated. Sanemitsu died and his nephew [Saionji Kinhiro] inherited. After they they kept fighting with [Ichijo Kanesada] and [Utsunoyami Toyotsuna].

Tensho 12 year (1584), Chosokabe Motochika united Tosa and attacked Iyo, [Kinhiro] surrendered. Tensho 13 year (1585), he was attacked by [Kobayakawa Takakage] when Toyotomi Hideyoshi launched Shikoku Battle.

[Address,access]
〒797-0018 Shimomatsuba Uwa-cho Seiyo, Ehime Prefecture

[Map]

[Description]
Butsuden Castle is a flatland-mountain castle located in Washio Mountain, Kawanoe, Chuo City, Shikoku, Ehime Province. It is also called [Kawanoe Castle].
Kenmu 4 year (1337), it was built by [Toi Yoshimasa].

After that, [Mendori Tomoharu] was the castle owner, how he was found that he had connection with [Chosokabe Motochika] and he was attacked by [Kawakami Yasukatsu].

Tensho 10 year (1582), [Chosokabe Motochika] aimed to unite Shikoku and started attacking Iyo Country, [Butsuden Castle] of Kawakami Yasukatsu was attakced and fell down, and Yasukatsu killed himself. Chosokabe Motochika almost controlled Shikoku, but in Tensho 13 year (1585), Toyotomi Hideyoshi launched Shikoku Battle and Butsuden Castle fell down by [Kobayakawa Takakage].

After Toyotomi Hideyoshi dominated Shikoku, the castle owner changed from [Kobayakawa Takakage] to [Fukushima Masanori] and to [Ikeda Terumasa], and when [Kato Yoshiaki] was awarded to Iyo, he set the base in Matsumae Castle, and Butsuden Castle (Kawanoe Castle) was abandoned.
Kanei 13 year (1636), Hitotsuyanagi Naoie established Kawanoe Clan and was about to rebuild the castle. Kanei 19 year (1642), when he died, his territories were forfeited by Shogun. Therefore, the castle did not rebuild.

Although the remains of the castle originally had stone walls slightly left behind. Simulated Tenshu, gates, corner walls, were reconstructed at Butsuden Castle (Kawanoe Castle) ruins. However, there are not reconstructed based on historical facts.

[Address,access]
〒799-0101 1087-4 Kawanoe Town, Chuo City, Shikoku, Ehime Province

[Map]