Iwaya Castle

This site is on the same mountain as Ono castle and has excellent views of Dazaifu. It was the site of the Siege of Iwaya Castle. The grave of Takahashi Shigetane (Takahashi Shōun/Jōun) is nearby.

profile and photos contributed by Kris

History

Takahashi Shigetane was head of the Takahashi clan, who served the Otomo clan during the 1500s. He was given charge of Iwaya castle and commanded a force of roughly 700 when the Shimazu clan launched an attack on the castle in 1586. Estimates put the numbers of Shimazu troops at either 20 000 or 50 000, in either case they vastly outnumbered the forces in Iwaya castle, who somehow managed to hold out for two weeks against incredible odds. After it became clear the castle could hold out no longer, Takahashi committed seppuku. His honorable death and stories of his refusal to betray the Otomo by surrendering impressed the victorious Shimazu clan, who praised his spirit. Although little remains, at the site of the former honmaru there is stone with the words 『嗚呼壮烈岩屋城址』(Aa, souretsu, Iwayajoshi) (Ah, the bravery, Iwaya castle ruins) that stands testament to the battle.

Field Notes

This site is on the same mountain as Ono castle and has excellent views of Dazaifu. It was the site of the Siege of Iwaya Castle. The grave of Takahashi Shigetane (Takahashi Shōun/Jōun) is nearby.

profile and photos contributed by Kris

Gallery

• 

  Rear earthen ramparts in main bailey
• 

  Main bailey; view toward plain with castle stele
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  Bailey with dorui to rear
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  Entrance to site; sign below main bailey
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  Mizuki structure can be seen on plain below
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  View of Dazaifu citadel ruins
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  Stele; photo by Kris

Castle Profile
English Name	Iwaya Castle
Japanese Name	岩屋城
Founder	Otomo clan, Takahashi Clan
Year Founded	1532- 1554
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	Local Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features
Visitor Information
Access	By car or foot (30 - 40 mins uphill) from Dazaifu Station.
Hours	None.
Time Required	Half an hour or less.
URL	Castle Website
Location	Dazaifu, Fukuoka Pref., Fukuoka Prefecture
Coordinates	33.525944, 130.520294
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Admin
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