Besshoyama Fort
The signboard at Besshoyama Fort includes a basic map, but it’s overly simplified—showing just a single bailey surrounded by trenches and embankments. In reality, the site is much more expansive and includes several features that require some exploration to fully appreciate. For example, there’s ano
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History
Besshoyama Fort was one of several mountaintop forts constructed by Shibata Katsuie's generals along the Mt. Gyoichi mountain range leading up to the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583. It was commanded by Maeda Toshiie.
See Battle of Shizugatake for more details.
Field Notes
The signboard at Besshoyama Fort includes a basic map, but it’s overly simplified—showing just a single bailey surrounded by trenches and embankments. In reality, the site is much more expansive and includes several features that require some exploration to fully appreciate. For example, there’s another small bailey to the north (“right” as you approach) that may have been an unfinished structure or a simple encampment.
Well before reaching the main fort area, you’ll encounter a massive tatebori trench about 300 meters down the ridge. It’s not marked on the map, and while it functions as a defensive trench, it also serves as a shortcut trail down the south slope. This path passes near a largely undocumented site known as Yamaderayama Fort. This trench and fort may have been designed to protect a rapid deployment route to the southern slope. Just beyond this, you’ll also find a yokobori trench along the roadside—yes, there’s actually an abandoned logging road that runs nearly to the top of the mountain. These outer defenses are easy to miss and not well-documented, but they clearly formed an extended perimeter for Besshoyama.
As you continue toward the main bailey, you’ll notice slight embankments and ground shaping that create a switchback entrance to the main fortification. From here, the trail continues with a steep 40-minute climb to Gyōichiyama Fort at the mountain’s summit. Unfortunately, I had to turn back partway up the final stretch due to time constraints—and a lingering leg injury—but even without reaching the top, Besshoyama offered some of the most complex and layered fortifications along the entire ridge. It was clearly the highlight of the Mt. Gyoichi fortifications.
Gallery
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Besshoyama Fort |
| Japanese Name | 別所山砦 |
| Founder | Shibata Katsuie |
| Year Founded | 1583 |
| Castle Type | Mountaintop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | |
| 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 | 35.56369, 136.18172 |
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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 | |
