Ohhara Castle
Oohara Castle Ruin is one of the many tiny fortifications that dot the countryside in the Koka Region of Shiga Prefecture. As far as I know, this castle ruin is only briefly mentioned in one locally published castle book about castles in Shiga. This castle ruin is about 10 minutes walk from JR Koka
History
This small flatland castle was built by the Oohara Clan, one of the major clans in the Koka Region. It is a square fortification protected by earthen ramparts on four sides with two koguchi (gates) on its northern and southern sides. In modern times, a third entrance has been opened up on the eastern side for vehicular entry. The earthen ramparts were ringed by a water moat on three sides (east, west, and north). It is now just a shallow dry moat.
Field Notes
Oohara Castle Ruin is one of the many tiny fortifications that dot the countryside in the Koka Region of Shiga Prefecture. As far as I know, this castle ruin is only briefly mentioned in one locally published castle book about castles in Shiga. This castle ruin is about 10 minutes walk from JR Koka Station. The earthen ramparts and moat which ring the main bailey are pretty much intact. However, unlike other bigger and more popular castle sites in Shiga, this castle ruin is not signposted, and the main bailey is someone’s private residence. It is not open to the public.
Photos and profile by RaymondW.
Gallery
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Oohara Castle |
| Japanese Name | 大原城 |
| Founder | Oohara Clan |
| Year Founded | In the Muromachi Period (1338 to 1573) |
| Castle Type | Flatland |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Koka Sta (Kusatsu Line), 10 min walk |
| Hours | private residence |
| Time Required | 20 minutes |
| Location | Koka, Shiga Prefecture, Shiga Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 34.896777, 136.216182 |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
