Kashiwadaniyama Fort
From Tochidaniyama Fort, a side ridge leads to Kashiwadaniyama Fort, but there is no trail or signage—not even marked trees to guide the way. The route is fairly overgrown, and I found myself weaving back and forth, dodging thorny brushes and fallen trees as I followed the ridge. At one point I
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History
Positioned along a side ridge and connected to Ohtaniyama Fort, it may have functioned as a point of egress to the north—curiously away from the expected battlefield. It may have been intended as part of a retreat or resupply route, especially if the main route through Hayashitaniyama Fort was blocked or under attack.
See Battle of Shizugatake for more details.
Field Notes
From Tochidaniyama Fort, a side ridge leads to Kashiwadaniyama Fort, but there is no trail or signage—not even marked trees to guide the way. The route is fairly overgrown, and I found myself weaving back and forth, dodging thorny brushes and fallen trees as I followed the ridge.
At one point I nearly turned back, but trusted the terrain and eventually reached the ruins. The main bailey is clearly identifiable, as you’ll see in the photos, and the site is a worthwhile visit, if you’re prepared for a bit of off-trail adventuring.
From there, the ridge continues another 300+ meters to Ohtaniyama Fort (大谷山砦). I attempted to push forward, but the path was too choked with fallen bamboo and trees. After advancing only about 15 meters in tough conditions, I decided that climbing back through that mess going uphill wasn’t worth the risk or effort.
While most of the forts on the Mt. Gyōichi ridge are accessible via a clearly marked and maintained trail, Kashiwadaniyama and Ohtaniyama are best left to experienced hikers or those equipped with GPS and a good sense of direction.
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Kashiwadaniyama Fort |
| Japanese Name | 柏谷山砦 |
| Founder | Shibata Katsuie |
| Year Founded | 1583 |
| Castle Type | Mountaintop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | trenches |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | JR Yogo Sta., 4.5km to trailhead |
| Hours | Mountain trails, limited signage, lightly marked trail |
| Time Required | 30 mins |
| Hiking Trail | View on Yamap |
| Location | Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 35.56887, 136.1863 |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2025 |
| Contributor | Eric |
| Admin Year Visited | 2025 |
| Admin Visits | April 27, 2025 |
| Friends of JCastle | |
| Jokaku Horoki | |
