Tochidaniyama Fort
The ruins of Tochidaniyama Fort are subtle in places, but when viewed on a map, it becomes clear that the site was one of the larger and more complex forts in Mt. Gyoichi defenses. While individual earthworks can be faint, the fort’s placement at the junction of multiple ridgelines is easy to unders
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History
Positioned at a point where the ridgeline widens, Tochidaniyama was considered the central and most important fort in the Shibata defense network along this line. From its location, the ridge branches off to Nakataniyama Fort and Kashiwadaniyama Fort, while the main trail continues upward to Besshoyama Fort. It was under the command of Hara Nagayori.
At a point on the ridgeline where it widens out, this was considered the most important central fort of the defensive line. From here branches go down to Nakataniyama Fort and Kashiwadaniyama Fort and the slope continues up to Besshoyama Fort.
See Battle of Shizugatake for more details.
Field Notes
The ruins of Tochidaniyama Fort are subtle in places, but when viewed on a map, it becomes clear that the site was one of the larger and more complex forts in Mt. Gyoichi defenses. While individual earthworks can be faint, the fort’s placement at the junction of multiple ridgelines is easy to understand in the field.
From one of the lower baileys, a side ridge leads to Kashiwadaniyama Fort, but there is no trail or signage—not even marked trees to guide the way.
Gallery
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Tochidaniyama Fort |
| Japanese Name | 橡谷山砦 |
| Founder | Shibata Katsuie |
| Year Founded | 1583 |
| Castle Type | Mountaintop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | JR Yogo Sta., 4.5km to trailhead |
| Hours | Mountain trails, limited signage, lightly marked trail |
| Time Required | 30 mins |
| Hiking Trail | View on Yamap |
| Location | Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 35.56754, 136.18421 |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2025 |
| Contributor | Eric |
| Admin Year Visited | 2025 |
| Admin Visits | April 27, 2025 |
| Friends of JCastle | |
| Jokaku Horoki | |
