Katsunumashi Yakata

The castle ruins were discovered in 1973 when building the neighboring Prefectural Wine Center. Don't miss the ruins of the vassal's residence around the back side of the castle. While the castle is called a yakata (palace or residence) the large double embankment, deep moat and turrets show that i

History

There is evidence of a fortification on this site going back to the 1400's but the earliest records claim that it was the residence of Katsunuma Nobutomo, a brother to Takeda Nobutora. Nobutomo died in a battle with Hojo Ujitsuna in 1535 and his son Nobumoto succeeded him. There is some speculation whether Nobumoto became the new lord of Katsunuma or the nearby Imai clan did. Regardless, Nobumoto was killed by Takeda Shingen in 1560 on suspicions of inciting a rebellion.

Field Notes

The castle ruins were discovered in 1973 when building the neighboring Prefectural Wine Center. Don't miss the ruins of the vassal's residence around the back side of the castle. While the castle is called a yakata (palace or residence) the large double embankment, deep moat and turrets show that it was as fortified as any castle at the time.

Katsunuma is very famous for grapes and wine. I went in early October towards the end of grape season and got the best grapes I've ever had from a simple roadside stand. You can get there by regular non-express train from Shinjuku in about 2 hours.

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Gallery

Central bailey
Stone foundation of a bridge across the large trench
Stone foundation of a bridge across the large trench
Trench and stone foundation of a bridge
Large deep trench
Embankment and trench of the central bailey
Embankment and trench of the central bailey
Masugata style entrance
Embankment and trench
Earthen embankment
Entrance from the bridge
Entrance from the bridge
Yagura foundation at the entrance from the bridge
Embankment in the central bailey
water reservoir
Outlines of buildings in the central bailey
Central bailey
Large trench of the central bailey
maps of the site's evolution
Map
Waterway of the Outer Bailey
Waterways of the Outer Bailey
Large embankment of the outer bailey
Outer Bailey
Outer Bailey
Outlines of several buildings
Waterways of the Outer Bailey
Work areas
Waterways of the Outer Bailey
Entrance and waterways of the Outer Bailey
Illustration of the vassal's residence
Reconstructed Sengoku era building
Sengoku Period reconstructed building

Castle Profile
English Name	Katsunumashi Yakata
Japanese Name	勝沼氏館
Founder	Katsunuma Nobutomo
Year Founded	1400's
Castle Type	Fortified Manor
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	National Historic Site
Historical Period	Edo Period
Features	trenches, stone walls
Visitor Information
Access	Katsunuma Budokyo (Chuo Line), 30 min walk
Hours	open anytime
Time Required	45 mins
URL	Castle Website
Location	Koshu, Yamanashi Prefecture
Coordinates	35.65989, 138.73174
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2017
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2017
Admin Visits	October 9, 2017

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