Shizugatake Fort

Some of the site has been altered due to its later development as a hiking trail and sightseeing spot, but the core fortifications are still clear. Its commanding views over the battlefield and sightlines to every major fort of the campaign and even back towards Odani Castle make it one of the m

History

Shizugatake Fort was a key fortification in the second defensive line established by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583. Situated atop the 421-meter peak of Mt. Shizugatake, it commanded a wide view of Lake Yogo and the surrounding ridgelines, making it a crucial watchpoint and signaling position during the campaign.

Constructed along a ridge extending from the south of Lake Yogo, Shizugatake Fort formed a connected line with Oiwayama Fort (大岩山砦) approx 2km down the ridge and Iwasakiyama Fort (岩崎山砦) another 1.1km further down the ridge extending northeast from Shizugatake Fort.

Shizugatake Fort was heavily reinforced by Hideyoshi and placed under the command of Kuwabara Shigeharu (桑山重晴) and Hada Masachika (羽田正親). Its strong layout and difficult approach likely led Sakuma Morimasa (佐久間盛政) to bypass it during his daring flanking maneuver, instead targeting the more vulnerable Ōiwayama Fort manned by Nakagawa Kiyohide (中川清秀).

Field Notes

Some of the site has been altered due to its later development as a hiking trail and sightseeing spot, but the core fortifications are still clear. Its commanding views over the battlefield and sightlines to every major fort of the campaign and even back towards Odani Castle make it one of the most visually and historically impressive sites of the entire campaign. The all downhill hike from here to Yogo Station allows you to visit Oiwayama Fort and Iwasakiyama Fort. The climb is made fun and easy by the ski lift to the top. Impressive views of Lake Yogo and Lake Biwa, and wildflowers aplenty and even some good bird watching along the downhill hiking trail can make it a fun outdoors destination to trick even your non-castle fan friends or family to visit with you.

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Gallery

Mt. Shizugatake as seen from across Lake Yogo

Castle Profile
English Name	Shizugatake Fort
Japanese Name	賤ヶ岳砦
Founder	Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Year Founded	1583
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features
Visitor Information
Access	JR Kinomoto Station, taxi or rentacycle to the Shizugatake Lift, 15 min hike from the top lift station
Hours	Lift operating hours vary seasonally; closed in winter; hiking trail open any time.
Time Required	60 mins
URL	Castle Website
Location	Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture
Coordinates	35.50633, 136.19258
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2025
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2024
Admin Visits	April 29, 2024

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