Imaichikami Fort

The ruins of the embankments here are slight and can be difficult to identify—especially the first square bailey, which is easy to miss. The highlight of this fort is the large **horikiri (堀切)** trench near the top. Once you reach the ridge, it's actually a relatively easy walk over to [[Tohnoyama F

History

Imaichikami Fort was established across the valley from Tenjinyama Fort as part of Hideyoshi’s original forward defensive line. It sits at a much higher elevation and provides a clearer view up the valley toward Genbao Castle than Tenjinyama.

It’s unclear whether the site was abandoned when Hideyoshi pulled back from Tenjinyama Fort, or whether it remained in use as a satellite of Tohnoyama Fort. Since it was not directly threatened by Shibata-aligned forts, had easy access to Tohnoyama, and maintained visibility up the valley, it's reasonable to think it continued to serve as a lookout or intelligence post.

See the Battle of Shizugatake page for broader context.

Field Notes

The ruins of the embankments here are slight and can be difficult to identify—especially the first square bailey, which is easy to miss. The highlight of this fort is the large **horikiri (堀切)** trench near the top. Once you reach the ridge, it's actually a relatively easy walk over to Tohnoyama Fort, one of the most impressive forts in the Battle of Shizugatake network.

Just beside the Hachiman Shrine is a slightly elevated, flattened area with a grave for the **Tōno clan (東野氏)**, local landholders. Some say this was the site of their fortified residence, while others suggest the nearby Jurakuji Temple. This same area marks the trailhead for Imaichikami Fort. From here, head straight up the ridge. There is a worn path or trail-like route you can follow partway up. Along the way, there's a spot with what looks like **dorui (土塁)** embankment to the left, offering excellent views up the valley. It's also more spacious around here, and I believe it must have been fortified or used as a lookout.

After this point, you’ll need to angle up the ridge to the right. It would be best to follow my Yamap trail or something similar, as there is no clearly defined route.

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Castle Profile
English Name	Imaichikami Fort
Japanese Name	今市上砦
Founder	Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Year Founded	1583
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	JR Yogo Station, 3.5 km walk to Hachiman Shrine
Hours	Mountain trails; not signposted
Time Required	20 mins
Hiking Trail	View on Yamap
Location	Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture
Coordinates	35.56176, 136.20525
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2025
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2025
Admin Visits	April 20, 2025
Friends of JCastle
Jokaku Horoki

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