Hokoji Castle
I attempted to visit Hokoji Castle while exploring sites related to the Tanba Campaigns, but there were no trails nor clear access besides the sign near the roadside. I tried to scramble up one side of the mountain just behind the shrine, hoping to catch a glimpse of any earthworks, but gave up part
History
After establishing their power in the area during the aftermath of the Ōnin War (1467–1477), the Hatano made Yakami their main seat and expanded their power base and castle town around Yakami Castle. Hokoji Castle was built by the Hatano clan around 1532-1535 to defend the growing castle town. It's directly across the narrow mouth of the valley from Yakami Castle. Farther up the valley is Okudani Castle.
In 1559, during a power struggle between the Hatano clan and Miyoshi Nagayoshi, forces led by Naito Socho briefly captured Hokoji Castle. Two decades later, Hokoji Castle again found itself on the front lines during Oda Nobunaga's Tanba Campaigns. In 1578, Akechi Mitsuhide led a massive siege against Yakami Castle. According to records, Mitsuhide’s troops surrounded the mountain with earthworks and palisades so thoroughly that “not even a beast could crawl out.” While not mentioned by name in records, Hokoji Castle was undoubtedly part of this siege network, either as a secondary fortification for the defenders or later repurposed by the attackers to tighten the noose. See Yakami Castle for more details.
After the fall of the Hatano clan, Hokoji Castle was abandoned.
Field Notes
I attempted to visit Hokoji Castle while exploring sites related to the Tanba Campaigns, but there were no trails nor clear access besides the sign near the roadside. I tried to scramble up one side of the mountain just behind the shrine, hoping to catch a glimpse of any earthworks, but gave up partway. It was too steep and slippery. Also, I really wanted to get to Hannyaji Castle before dark. After returning home it seems that I may have tried to climb up the steepest parts. I may try again one day.
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Hokoji Castle |
| Japanese Name | 法光寺城 |
| Founder | Hatano |
| Year Founded | 1532 |
| Castle Type | Mountaintop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | trenches |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Sasayamaguchi Station, bus |
| Hours | Mountains, no trails nor signs |
| Time Required | 60mins |
| Location | Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 35.05821, 135.24509 |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2025 |
| Contributor | Eric |
| Admin Year Visited | 2024 |
| Admin Visits | November 7, 2024 |
| Friends of JCastle | |
| Yamajiro Sanka | |
