Yamanaka Castle

There are no buildings or structures remaining, but you can really understand the layout and grounds of a sengoku period mountaintop castle. The Hojo put all their castle construction techniques and know-how into building this castle. The rare and unique defenses and moat structures are superbly pre

History

This castle was founded by Hojo Ujiyasu to protect the main Hojo stronghold at Odawara. It was part of a string of fortifications that inlcuded Nirayama Castle and Ashigara Castle. As relations between Hojo and Toyotomi Hideyoshi worsened, Hojo Ujimasa began to strengthen the fortifications of Yamanaka Castle around 1587. At this time, the Daisaki Demaru Bailey was constructed to overlook the road leading to Odawara. In 1590 before Hojo had completed the new fortifications, Hideyoshi launched the full force of nearly 70,000 troops against the meager 4,000 defenders of Yamanaka Castle. It is said that the castle fell in less than a half day and in only 2 hours by some accounts. This was the first assault by Hideyoshi on Odawara in his campaign to overthrew the Hojo.

Field Notes

There are no buildings or structures remaining, but you can really understand the layout and grounds of a sengoku period mountaintop castle. The Hojo put all their castle construction techniques and know-how into building this castle. The rare and unique defenses and moat structures are superbly preserved. This castle is a must see for any castle fan. At the entrance to the Daisaki Demaru Bailey, along the roadside, and parking lot is a small shop where you can also get a map and the Top 100 castle stamp.

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Gallery

shojibori of the NIshinomaru
Shojibori moats of the Nishinomaru bailey
Nishinomaru Bailey shojibori moat
Nishinomaru Bailey shojibori moats
Shojibori moat
shojibori moats of the Nishinomaru bailey
Shojibori moat between the West Yagura and the NIshinomaru Bailey
Unebori around the West Yagura
Unebori of the Nishinomaru Bailey
Shojibori and unebori moats of the Nishinomaru Bailey
Unebori near the West Yagura
Unebori near the West Yagura
Unebori near the West Yagura
Nishinomaru Bailey
Nishinomaru (West Bailey)
Ninomaru bailey
Nishinomaru Unebori
Ninomaru Bridge
Ninomaru entrance
Ninomaru entrance
Ninomaru bailey
Looking from the Ninomaru to the Nishinomaru
Ninomaru and road to the wells
Bridge between the Ninomaru and Honmaru baileys
Honmaru unebori
Honmaru bailey
Main keep foundation
Bridge to the Kitanomaru bailey
Kitanomaru bailey
Dry moat on the north side
Unebori between the Honmaru and Ninomaru
Daisaki Demaru Bailey
Unebori of the Daisaki Demaru bailey
yagura foundation in the Daisaki Demaru
Unebori of the Daisaki Demaru bailey
Daisaki Demaru Bailey
Map

Castle Profile
English Name	Yamanaka Castle
Japanese Name	山中城
Founder	Hojo Ujiyasu
Year Founded	1560's
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	Top 100 Castles, Top 100 Mountaintop Castles, National Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Mishima Station (Tokaido Honsen), 30-40 minute bus ride
Hours	The park is open any time.
Time Required	2 hrs
URL	Castle Website
Location	Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture
Coordinates	35.15646, 138.99245
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2002
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2002, 2012
Admin Visits	July 27, 2002; Nov 10, 2012

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