Tohnoyama Fort

This is possibly the most interesting, well-maintained, and signposted of the Shizugatake Battlefield forts. However, access has become slightly more difficult, so it may not remain as well maintained in the future. There are four ways into the site. The first is the former (now closed) logging roa

History

Tohnoyama Fort anchored the east side of Hideyoshi's forward defensive line at the Battle of Shizugatake. It was positioned across the valley from Dogiyama Fort, with an embankment crossing the valley between the two. It sits even higher in elevation than Shizugatake Fort, and was supported by satellite forts further down the slope at Shobudani Fort and Mizotani Fort. Under the command of **Hori Hidemasa (堀秀政)**, this fort housed the largest garrison outside of Hideyoshi's main encampment at Tagamiyama Castle.

Field Notes

This is possibly the most interesting, well-maintained, and signposted of the Shizugatake Battlefield forts. However, access has become slightly more difficult, so it may not remain as well maintained in the future.

There are four ways into the site. The first is the former (now closed) logging road. It is a bit long and has a barrier, but it can be opened easily. A sign indicates “2.3 km to the castle,” so it appears visitors are still welcome.

The second option is to hike through Shobudani Fort and take the steep ridge up. The main route into Shobudani is also beyond this same barrier, branching left.

The third is a marked trail near the Hachiman Shrine. I did not take this path, but the trailhead is clearly marked by the roadside and may be the most proper route.

The route I took was to start from Imaichikami Fort. I hiked the trail (which is somewhat confusing in parts) up to Imaichikami, then continued past it to the ridge where I linked up with the old logging road. From there I followed the road mostly downhill to Tohnoyama Fort. After visiting, I descended via Shobudani Fort.

Tohnoyama Fort is often misread as “Higashinoyama,” but the correct reading is “Tohnoyama,” a local dialectal pronunciation of 東野.

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Gallery

Castle Profile
English Name	Tohnoyama Fort
Japanese Name	東野山砦
Founder	Hashiba 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 to trailhead
Hours	Well signposted and maintained, 40-minute hike from the base of the mountain
Time Required	60 mins on site
Location	Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture
Coordinates	35.55581, 136.20936
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Admin
Added to Jcastle
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited
Admin Visits	April 20, 2025

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