Omi Hachiman Castle
The castle town at the base of the mountain is a well known picturesque travel destination in the area. There is currently a temple on the castle grounds at the top but few people probably visit it for the castle ruins. It also offers nice views of the area and Lake Biwa.
History
Hidetsugu developed a prosperous castle town around Mt. Hachiman with craftsmen and towsnpeople taken in part from the castle town at Azuchi after its downfall. The Hachimanbori moat that went around the base of the mountain and through the castle town also connected directly to Lake Biwa and acted as a canal further helping the town to flourish. In 1590 Hidetsugu was transferred to Kiyosu castle with much larger lands in Owari and Ise.
In 1593 Hideyori was born as a natural son to Hideyoshi clouding Hidetsugu's position. In 1595 he was exiled to Mt. Koya and forced to take his own life. Shortly thereafter all his surviving family were brutally murdered by Hideyoshi.
After Hidetsugu left Omi Hachiman for Owari and Kiyosu Castle, Kyogoku Takatsugu became lord of Omi Hachiman Castle. The castle became defunct in 1595 when Kyogoku was moved to Otsu Castle. Although the lifespan of Omi Hachiman Castle was very short, the town that was founded by Hidetsugu flourished throughout the Edo Period.
Field Notes
The castle town at the base of the mountain is a well known picturesque travel destination in the area. There is currently a temple on the castle grounds at the top but few people probably visit it for the castle ruins. It also offers nice views of the area and Lake Biwa.
Gallery
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Omi Hachiman Castle |
| Japanese Name | 近江八幡城 |
| Alternate Names | Hachimanyama-jo |
| Founder | Hashiba Hidetsugu |
| Year Founded | 1585 |
| Castle Type | Hilltop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Designations | Next 100 Castles |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | stone walls, castle town |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | 10 minute bus ride from Omi Hachiman Station (Tokaido Line) |
| Hours | |
| Time Required | |
| URL | Castle Website |
| Location | Omi Hachiman, Shiga Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 35.14451, 136.08215 |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2004 |
| Contributor | Eric |
| Admin Year Visited | 2004 |
| Admin Visits | February 21, 2004 |
