Kinzan Castle

Kinzan Castle is perched on one of the tallest peaks dividing eastern and western Tanba. The hike involves a steep 300-meter elevation gain, but the trail is well marked and clean. Even on a weekday, I encountered a few other hikers enjoying the mountains on a crisp, clear morning. Access is limite

History

During Oda Nobunaga’s Tanba Campaigns, Akechi Mitsuhide faced stiff resistance from two entrenched regional powers: the Akai clan at Kuroi Castle and the Hatano clan at Yakami Castle. His first attempt to subjugate Tanba in 1575–1576 faltered due to rugged terrain, extended supply lines, and coordinated resistance between the two clans.

Regrouping with a stronger logistical foundation, Mitsuhide launched a second campaign in 1578–1579. This time, his strategy followed a divide and conquer approach. The high mountain range that separated eastern and western Tanba offered a natural boundary. Mitsuhide constructed Kinzan Castle atop one of the tallest peaks in the corridor between these two adversaries, isolating them providing logistical support and intelligence. From the summit, it is actually possible to see both Kuroi Castle and Yakami Castle — a literal and symbolic high ground from which he could monitor and coordinate his campaign. Although without telescopes, the were probably a bit far to practically spy upon.

Construction of Kinzan Castle began soon after the siege of Yakami Castle was underway. Once Yakami fell, the isolation of Kuroi Castle followed swiftly, leading to the downfall of the Akai clan as well. With the Hatano and Akai both defeated, Kinzan Castle lost its military function and was likely abandoned.

Field Notes

Kinzan Castle is perched on one of the tallest peaks dividing eastern and western Tanba. The hike involves a steep 300-meter elevation gain, but the trail is well marked and clean. Even on a weekday, I encountered a few other hikers enjoying the mountains on a crisp, clear morning.

Access is limited, and getting here requires planning. I stayed overnight in Sasayama specifically to reach the site. Only four buses a day pass the trailhead, shuttling a few local residents on the route between Sasayamaguchi and Kaibara, so timing is critical.

Despite the difficulty in reaching it, the summit rewards you with sweeping views over both valleys. I was lucky to get such great weather this morning to see both Kuroi Castle and Yakami Castle.

At the foot of the castle lies Eirinji, a notable temple constructed within the lower baileys of the former castle. The stonework surrounding the temple is not original to the castle, but rather part of the temple complex. Around the side of Eirinji, you can find the original castle well and a visible tatebori (vertical trench) climbing toward a detached lookout-style bailey (dejiro).

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Gallery

Enrinji

Castle Profile
English Name	Kinzan Castle
Japanese Name	金山城
Founder	Akechi Mitsuhide
Year Founded	1579
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches, stone walls
Visitor Information
Access	Sasayamaguchi Station or Kaibara Station, bus
Hours	Mountain trails, open any time
Time Required	150 mins
Hiking Trail	View on Yamap
Location	Tanba Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture
Coordinates	35.11228, 135.11385
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2025
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2024
Admin Visits	November 8, 2024
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