Hayashikojo Castle

This is a fantastic site. I wish I could rate it higher, but it's definitely a must see site around Matsumoto for fans of mountaintop castle ruins. There are many stone walls remaining and some very large earthworks and trenches around the site. The horikiri on the south side of the first bailey is

History

It's not clear exactly when the castle was founded but it was likely in the 1440's to 1450's. It was built after Hayashiohjo Castle and the two combined are often simply called as Hayashi Castle. The Ogasawara surrendered when they were surrounded by the Takeda forces in 1550. The castle was destroyed and abandoned at this time.

Hayashikojo Castle combined with Hayashiohjo Castle across the small valley to the North are often call Hayashi Castle together. The "ko" in Hayashikojo castle is the Japanese character for small (小). The character for "old" (古) is also read "ko" and at one time it was thought that the character for "old" should be the character for the castle name since people assumed it was "older". Recent studies show that it is more likely to be newer than the larger Hayashiohjo Castle. The stone walls are also much more extensive than Hayashiohjo Castle and very similar to those at Kirihara Castle and Yamabe Castle. I think it also makes much more sense as the location of Hayashiohjo Castle seems to be a better location for a castle. It is higher with better views and looks more defensible.

Field Notes

This is a fantastic site. I wish I could rate it higher, but it's definitely a must see site around Matsumoto for fans of mountaintop castle ruins. There are many stone walls remaining and some very large earthworks and trenches around the site. The horikiri on the south side of the first bailey is especially impressive.

There are two or three different entrances. The one I used is the shortest way to the top and easy to find. There is a large sign along the road so you can't miss it. From the sign follow the track alongside the fields at the base of the mountain until you see a gate in the fence. Pass the gate (close it behind you) and follow the trail into the woods and up the mountain. A couple minutes in you will see a sign pointing up the trail for the castle ruins. It's easier than it sounds. Just follow the well worn paths. This castle should be visited in combination with Hayashiohjo Castle. There is a trail starting from the base of Hayashiohjo Castle up through the castle down the back entrance and then over to Hayashikojo Castle. I would recommend this trail over the route I took and then from Hayashikojo Castle go out the back entrance so that you can visit both castles without doubling back on the same trail anywhere. The only problem is finding a way back to the station. You should probably follow the road back to the trail head at the base of Hayashiohjo Castle and call a taxi or go over to the bus stop across the bridge and take the bus. There are only a few busses a day so plan carefully.

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Gallery

Stone walls of the main bailey
Large vertical trench
Small bailey
Stone walls of the Second Bailey
Stone walls of the Second Bailey
Stone walls of the Second Bailey
Stone walls of the Second Bailey
Stone walls of the main bailey
Stone walls of the main bailey
Stone walls of the main bailey
Stone walls of the main bailey
Stone walls of the main bailey
Stone walls of the main bailey
Entrance to the main bailey
Embankment of the main bailey
Embankment of the main bailey
Embankment of the main bailey
Stone walls of the main bailey
Stone walls of the main bailey
Large trench behind the main bailey
large trench
Stone walls of the main bailey
Main bailey entrance
small baileys
Entrance to the castle trailhead

Castle Profile
English Name	Hayashikojo Castle
Japanese Name	林小城
Alternate Names	Hayashi-jo, Fukuyama-jo
Founder	Ogasawara Kiyomune
Year Founded	1459
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	Top 100 Mountaintop Castles, Prefectural Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches, stone walls
Visitor Information
Access	Matsumoto Sta. (Shinonoi Line); 75 min walk.
Hours	open anytime, unhook the gate yourself and pass through (close the gate behind you)
Time Required	120 mins
URL	Castle Website
Location	Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates	36.21963, 138.00386
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2015
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2015
Admin Visits	October 31, 2015

2.50

(2 votes)

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