Sone Castle (Omi)
Sonejō is a clifftop fortification site overlooking the Echi River valley. There is a comely thatched roof temple directly below. Whilst I was looking in the fields for some evidence of a fortification having existed – and finding none – I did come across a deceased mole. Because their mounds are bi
History
Sonejō was a branch fort of Ogurajō constructed by the Ogura Clan. Its position along a cliff overlooking the Echi River valley made it strategically useful to the Ogura in protecting their territory in Echi District. No ruins remain.
Field Notes
Sonejō is a clifftop fortification site overlooking the Echi River valley. There is a comely thatched roof temple directly below. Whilst I was looking in the fields for some evidence of a fortification having existed – and finding none – I did come across a deceased mole. Because their mounds are big, their small size always surprises me when I see them. I’ve not seen a living one though. I wonder that they surface when dying? Anyway, some pictures online show a row of ishigaki here, but it’s not related to the castle and looks fairly recent in its construction.
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Sone Castle (Omi) |
| Japanese Name | 近江曽根城 |
| Founder | Ogura Clan |
| Year Founded | Sengoku Period |
| Castle Type | Hilltop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Yōkaichi Station on the Ōmi Rail Kotō-Ōmi Line; 13 minute drive or 80 minute walk |
| Hours | Free; 24/7; Field |
| Time Required | 10 minutes |
| Location | Higashi-Oumi, Shiga Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 35.10104, 136.25728 |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2021 |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
