Kinzan Castle

History

Kinzan Castle (金山城), located on the border between the Sasayama and Tamba regions of northern Hyōgo, served as a vital strategic point during Akechi Mitsuhide’s campaign to conquer Tanba Province in the late 1570s. While often overshadowed by larger sites like Yakami Castle and Kuroi Castle, Kinzan was instrumental in splitting the resistance between the Hatano clan in eastern Tanba and the Akai clan in western Tanba, thereby enabling Nobunaga’s forces to isolate and neutralize their opponents one by one.

The castle occupies a mountainous ridge that overlooks a major route connecting the eastern (Sasayama basin) and western (Kuroi–Kaibara) regions of Tanba. By fortifying this position, Mitsuhide effectively severed the ability of the two clans to reinforce one another. This was a classic example of his campaign strategy: constructing temporary fortresses and encampments to control key routes, support sieges, and project force across the rugged, fragmented terrain of Tanba.

Kinzan Castle is believed to have been either constructed or heavily renovated by Mitsuhide’s forces during the 1578–1579 phase of the campaign, when Nobunaga ordered the total subjugation of Tanba. It likely served both as a staging ground and a forward base for surveillance and movement control.

After the fall of both the Hatano and Akai strongholds — Yakami Castle and Kuroi Castle respectively — Kinzan lost its military value and fell into obscurity. Like many jinjō, it was probably abandoned not long after the campaign ended.

Today, remnants of stonework, earthworks, and bailey formations remain on the mountain, though overgrowth and limited access make exploration somewhat difficult. The site offers sweeping views over the valleys to both east and west, making its tactical importance immediately apparent to those who reach the summit.

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Gallery

Enrinji

Castle Profile
English Name	Kinzan Castle
Japanese Name	金山城
Founder	Akechi Mitsuhide
Year Founded	1578
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches, stone walls
Visitor Information
Access	Sasayamaguchi Station or Kaibara Station, bus
Hours	Mountain trails, open any time
Time Required	150 mins
Location	Tanba Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture
Coordinates	35.11228, 135.11385
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2025
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2024
Admin Visits	November 8, 2024

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