Tohnoyama Fort
This is possibly the most interesting, well-maintained, and signposted of the Shizugatake Battlefield forts. However, access has become slightly more difficult, so it may not remain as well maintained in the future. There are four ways into the site. The first is the former (now closed) logging roa
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History
Tohnoyama Fort anchored the east side of Hideyoshi's forward defensive line at the Battle of Shizugatake. It was positioned across the valley from Dogiyama Fort, with an embankment crossing the valley between the two. It sits even higher in elevation than Shizugatake Fort, and was supported by satellite forts further down the slope at Shobudani Fort and Mizotani Fort. Under the command of Hori Hidemasa, this fort housed the largest garrison outside of Hideyoshi's main encampment at Tagamiyama Castle. Similar to Genbao Castle this castle was also abandoned following the battle making it a valuable artifact of Shokuhoukei (織豊係城郭) castle construction.
Field Notes
This is possibly the most interesting, well-maintained, and signposted of the Shizugatake Battlefield forts. However, access has become slightly more difficult, so it may not remain as well maintained in the future.
There are four ways into the site. The first is the former (now closed) logging road. It is a bit long and has a barrier, but it can be opened easily. A sign indicates “2.3 km to the castle,” so it appears visitors are still welcome this way.
The second option is to hike through Shobudani Fort and take the steep ridge up. The main route into Shobudani is also beyond this same barrier, branching left.
The third is a marked trail near the Hachiman Shrine. I did not take this path, but the trailhead is clearly marked by the roadside and may be the most proper route.
The route I took was to start from Imaichikami Fort. I hiked the trail (which is somewhat confusing in parts) from the Hachiman Shrine up to Imaichikami, then continued past it to the ridge where I linked up with the old logging road. From there I followed the road mostly downhill to Tohnoyama Fort. After visiting, I descended via Shobudani Fort.
Tohnoyama Fort is often misread as “Higashinoyama,” but the correct reading is “Tohnoyama,” a local dialectal pronunciation of 東野山.
Gallery
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Tohnoyama Fort |
| Japanese Name | 東野山砦 |
| 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 trailhead |
| Hours | Well signposted and maintained, 40-minute hike from the base of the mountain |
| Time Required | 60 mins on site |
| Hiking Trail | View on Yamap |
| Location | Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 35.55581, 136.20936 |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2025 |
| Contributor | Eric |
| Admin Year Visited | 2025 |
| Admin Visits | April 20, 2025 |
| Friends of JCastle | |
| Kojodan | |
| Jokaku Horoki | |
