Shobudani Fort

Shobudani Fort is positioned along the southern slope of Tohnoyama Fort, functioning as a satellite fort guarding the approach from the valley below. It’s one of the best-preserved examples of a small forward outpost in the Shizugatake network, with distinct trenches and embankments still visibl

History

Shobudani Fort was constructed as part of Hideyoshi’s northern defense line during the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583. It functioned as a satellite outpost of Tohnoyama Fort, securing the lower approach to the mountain and forming part of the layered defenses protecting the eastern sector.

While small in scale, forts like Shobudani allowed for constant communication and monitoring across the ridgeline. It may have been manned by a small group of retainers under Hori Hidemasa’s broader command structure. No direct fighting is recorded here, but it likely served an important role in detecting any encirclement attempts or retreating forces from the Shibata side.

Field Notes

Shobudani Fort is positioned along the southern slope of Tohnoyama Fort, functioning as a satellite fort guarding the approach from the valley below. It’s one of the best-preserved examples of a small forward outpost in the Shizugatake network, with distinct trenches and embankments still visible.

There are a few ways to reach the site. The main approach is via the old logging road past the barrier near the Hachiman Shrine. From there, turn left toward Shobudani before ascending further to Tohnoyama. It is also possible to descend into Shobudani after visiting Tohnoyama, which is what I did. This trail is narrower and steeper but quite direct.

The ruins are compact but well-defined. A clear trench line runs along the ridge with embankments forming the rear and side enclosures. This would have been a last-ditch defensive position or look-out point for guarding the rear slopes of the main Tohnoyama stronghold.

Loading map...

Gallery

Castle Profile
English Name	Shobudani Fort
Japanese Name	菖蒲谷砦
Founder	Hashiba Hideyoshi
Year Founded	1583
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches, baileys"Baileys" is not in the list (main keep, gates, turrets, bridges, palace, samurai homes, water moats, trenches, stone walls, walls, ...) of allowed values for the "Features" property., earthworks"Earthworks" is not in the list (main keep, gates, turrets, bridges, palace, samurai homes, water moats, trenches, stone walls, walls, ...) of allowed values for the "Features" property.
Visitor Information
Access	From JR Yogo Station, 3.5 km to the trailhead (same entrance as Tohnoyama Fort). Approximately 30–40 min hike uphill.
Hours	Signposted but less maintained than Tohnoyama. Trail is steep and narrow in parts.
Time Required	45–60 mins on site
Location	Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture
Coordinates	35.55168, 136.21014
Loading map... {"minzoom":false,"maxzoom":false,"mappingservice":"leaflet","width":"auto","height":"200px","centre":false,"title":"","label":"","icon":"Castlemarker.png","lines":[],"polygons":[],"circles":[],"rectangles":[],"copycoords":false,"static":false,"zoom":6,"defzoom":14,"layers":["CartoDB.Positron"],"image layers":[],"overlays":[],"resizable":false,"fullscreen":false,"scrollwheelzoom":true,"cluster":false,"clustermaxzoom":20,"clusterzoomonclick":true,"clustermaxradius":80,"clusterspiderfy":true,"geojson":"","clicktarget":"","imageLayers":[],"locations":[{"text":"","title":"","link":"","lat":35.55308,"lon":136.20606,"icon":"../images/1/1e/Castlemarker.png"}],"imageoverlays":null}
Admin
Added to Jcastle
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited
Admin Visits	April 20, 2025

2.00

(one vote)

Loading comments...