Tsubokasayama Castle

Tsubokasayama Castle (Shiga) / 壺笠山城（滋賀県）初登城 - First castle visit of the year! While I have done other castle related activities, this was my first visit to a new castle for the year. This one is memorable because I was thwarted 3 other times that I tried to visit for various reasons. It is not one

Field Notes

Tsubokasayama Castle (Shiga) / 壺笠山城（滋賀県）初登城 - First castle visit of the year! While I have done other castle related activities, this was my first visit to a new castle for the year. This one is memorable because I was thwarted 3 other times that I tried to visit for various reasons. It is not one of the easier castles to find either since it is not marked on maps and even the trail goes right by it without pointing out the castle. You need to find the purple ribbon marked trees along the trail and just start climbing finding your way up the last 50m or so of elevation. The rest of the trail goes on to the top of Mt Hiei (or Yumemigaoka) so don't miss it ! Tsubokasayama Castle was the base for the combined Asakura・Azai forces in their attacks on Kyoto in 1570 (Shiga no jin). From the castle, they could easily get to the top of Mt Hiei (Enryakuji) via the Shiratori-goe pass and drop down to attack northern Kyoto. They could connect to the Yamanaka-goe pass for for the same and enter around modern day Ginkakuji. Of course they can and did attack Oda aligned forces at Usayama Castle too but were unable to defeat it. The castle itself is mainly one bailey at the top of the circular mountaintop (which was also the site of an old kofun burial tomb). Around the main bailey are a few partial koshiguruwa or obikuruwa baileys and two entrances to the castle. Around these side baileys you will find most of the stone wall remains. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of stonework and ruined walls scattered about the site. There are also two satellite fortifications on nearby peaks that I'll cover in a few more days.

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Gallery

Castle Profile
English Name	Tsubokasayama Castle
Japanese Name	壺笠山城
Founder
Year Founded
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	stone walls
Visitor Information
Access
Hours
Time Required
Location	, Shiga Prefecture
Coordinates	35.05565, 135.8515
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2024
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2024
Admin Visits	February 4, 2024

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