Shobudani Fort
Shobudani Fort is located on the southern slope of Tohnoyama Fort and guarded the approach from the valley below. It retains distinct trenches and embankments. Unfortunately, it is not shown on the map signboard, but the two ridges that extend from the edge of the fort down to the base of the mo
[[||class=img-responsive]]
History
Shobudani Fort was constructed as part of Hideyoshi’s forward defensive line during the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583. It functioned as a satellite outpost of Tohnoyama Fort, securing the lower approach to the mountain along with the much smaller Mizotani Fort.
Field Notes
Shobudani Fort is located on the southern slope of Tohnoyama Fort and guarded the approach from the valley below. It retains distinct trenches and embankments. Unfortunately, it is not shown on the map signboard, but the two ridges that extend from the edge of the fort down to the base of the mountain were also fortified. These include leveled areas and embankments, forming what are effectively secondary positions—altogether giving the full site the appearance of a giant crab claw when viewed on a full map. ON my second trip I descended via the southern side of the "crab claw". This side has a clear Bailey towards the bottom with embankments you can see in the photos below.
There are a few ways to reach the site. The main approach is via the old logging road past the barrier. From there, turn left and continue up the valley until you can see the ridgeline, then pick a spot to start climbing. This is what I did on my first visit, and it takes you directly into the center of the fort. You could ascend from either of the ridges that make up "crab claw" but they end in underbrush and with no clear signs it's hard to find out where to start.
It is also possible to descend into Shobudani after visiting Tohnoyama Fort, which is what I did on my second visit. This trail is narrower and steeper, but it’s fairly clear and makes for an efficient route when combining the two forts.
Gallery
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Shobudani Fort |
| Japanese Name | 菖蒲谷砦 |
| Founder | Hashiba Hideyoshi |
| Year Founded | 1583 |
| Castle Type | Mountaintop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | trenches |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | JR Yogo Station, 3.5 km to the trailhead |
| Hours | No clear trails; map signboard on-site only |
| Time Required | 45 mins on site |
| Hiking Trail | View on Yamap |
| Location | Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 35.55308, 136.20606 |
|
|
|
| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2025 |
| Contributor | Eric |
| Admin Year Visited | 2023, 2025 |
| Admin Visits | April 28, 2023; April 20, 2025 |
| Friends of JCastle | |
| Jokaku Horoki | |
