Ibo Nishi Castle
Ibonishijō is an okajiro (hilltop castle) ruin in Homi Township, Toyota Municipality. Fortifications were made from earthworks, and the fort's layout is of a central hilltop bailey surrounded by a ring of defences etched into the hillside below. Dorui (earthen ramparts) surround parts of the main ba
History
The Ibo castle group was first built by the Miyake Clan at an unknown time. The clan first built Ibokojō ('Ibo Old Castle') before spreading westward. They became a strong local clan. From the middle 16th century, however, the Miyake were pushed out of much of their territory by the Matsudaira. Ibo became a battleground for the Matsudaira, Oda and Imagawa clans, with control of its fortifications frequently changing. However, by the time of the Oda-Matsudaira alliance, the Oda assumed control of the area, and the ruins seen today of Ibonishijō date to this time (after 1560).
Field Notes
Ibonishijō is an okajiro (hilltop castle) ruin in Homi Township, Toyota Municipality. Fortifications were made from earthworks, and the fort's layout is of a central hilltop bailey surrounded by a ring of defences etched into the hillside below. Dorui (earthen ramparts) surround parts of the main bailey, as well as the lower terraced baileys, particulary the northern bailey.
To the south is a karabori (dry moat) system (to the south of which there seemed to me to be an outer bailey but this could be the result of later cultivation). The karabori is perforated by mounds, perhaps the remains of small ribbing berms to create pockets in the moat. From the main approach to the castle bailey the karabori extends to a point where the hillside slopes and there is a tatebori (climbing trench). I didn't explore this latter area too much because it was too overgrown with bamboo. Castle ruins can become choked with pest plants 'faster than you can say "ah"', as the saying goes.
Ibonishijō is part of complex of fortifications known as the Ibo group of forts, though all of them date to different time periods apart from Ibonishijō ('Ibo West Castle') and its twin, Ibohigashijō ('Ibo East Castle'). Due to extensive destruction to the remains of the latter, it is unknown whether one castle was the main castle or they were perfect twins, but, in any case, today Ibonishijō is the principal fort, and it is maintained (somewhat) as a park; there are signposts and a signboard with a helpful map of the castle's layout.
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Ibo Nishi Castle |
| Japanese Name | 伊保西城 |
| Alternate Names | Ibonishikojō (伊保西古城) |
| Founder | Miyake Clan |
| Year Founded | Medieval Era; 1560 |
| Castle Type | Hilltop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Artifacts | Karabori, Dorui, Kuruwa, &c. |
| Features | trenches |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Homi Station on the Aichi Loop Line; 20 min walk to trailhead. Follow signposts. |
| Hours | 24/7 free; park |
| Time Required | 30 mins |
| Location | Toyota, Aichi Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 35.13937, 137.12551 |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2025 |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
| Friends of JCastle | |
| Jōkaku Hōrōki | |
| Oshiro Tabi Nikki | |
| Jōshi Meguri Bibōroku | |
| Shiro Rekishi Meguri | |
| Yogo | |
