Iwaya Castle
This site is on the same mountain as Ono castle and has excellent views of Dazaifu. It was the site of the Siege of Iwaya Castle. The grave of Takahashi Shigetane (Takahashi Shōun/Jōun) is nearby. Original profile and old cover photo contributed by Kris. Profile update and gallery by [[User:ART|ART
History
Takahashi Shigetane was head of the Takahashi clan, who served the Otomo clan during the 1500s. He was given charge of Iwaya castle and commanded a force of roughly 700 when the Shimazu clan launched an attack on the castle in 1586. Estimates put the numbers of Shimazu troops at either 20,000 or 50,000, in either case they vastly outnumbered the forces in Iwaya castle, who somehow managed to hold out for two weeks against incredible odds. After it became clear the castle could hold out no longer, Takahashi committed seppuku. His honorable death and stories of his refusal to betray the Otomo by surrendering impressed the victorious Shimazu clan, who praised his spirit. Although little remains, at the site of the former honmaru there is stone with the words 『嗚呼壮烈岩屋城址』(Aa, souretsu, Iwayajoshi) (Ah, the bravery, Iwaya castle ruins) that stands testament to the battle.
Field Notes
This site is on the same mountain as Ono castle and has excellent views of Dazaifu. It was the site of the Siege of Iwaya Castle. The grave of Takahashi Shigetane (Takahashi Shōun/Jōun) is nearby. Original profile and old cover photo contributed by Kris.
Profile update and gallery by ART (2024; visited 2019):
Some of the best views of Dazaifu to be had from Mt Ohno are at the ruins of Iwayajō. From here the ruins of the Mizuki and Dazaifu's old citadel can be clearly seen. Some scant ruins remain of earthworks, particularly the flattened main bailey and a large embankment to its rear with a trench below.
The site itself has an interesting history, a signboard at the castle reading: "Site of Iwaya Fortress: A fortress which once stood on this site was the scene of a great battle in 1586, in which more than 700 warriors led by Takahashi (Shigetani) perished at the hands of an army sent by the Shimazu Clan of Satsuma." Iwayajō's ruins are actually located in the older, more expansive ruins of Ohnojō.
Gallery
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Iwaya Castle |
| Japanese Name | 岩屋城 |
| Founder | Otomo clan; Takahashi Clan |
| Year Founded | 1532-1554 |
| Castle Type | Mountaintop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Designations | Local Historic Site |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Artifacts | Dorui, Kuruwa, &c. |
| Features | trenches |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | By car or foot (30-40 mins uphill) from Dazaifu Station. |
| Hours | 24/7 free; mountain |
| Time Required | 30mins |
| Location | Dazaifu, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 33.52594, 130.52029 |
|
|
|
| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2013 |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
