Yamanaka Castle ruins

The castle had five baileys, the Honmaru, Ni-no-Maru, Kita-no-Maru, Nishi-no-Maru and the Daisaki-de-Maru. Well defended gates, log palisades and wooden walls with gun and arrow slits lined the edges of these compounds, separated and protected by intricately designed dry moats and steep slopes. Yamanaka Castle’s rare Shoji-bori and Une-bori moats can be easily seen and appreciated. The moats lie in a waffle-shaped fashion, with narrow ridges around the square shaped depressions. The moats were dry, as sourcing water and maintaining it at the top of the mountain was physically too difficult.

Waffle-like Shoji-bori moats separate the various baileys

Shoji-bori dry moats, with Mt. Fuji in the distance

Around 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, now nearing complete unification of Japan, began making advances on the powerful Hojo clan in an effort to unite the nation under a single ruler, himself. As the Hojo had not yet submitted to his will, he began raising large armies against them. The Hojo quickly set about strengthening the smaller outlying castles, including Yamanaka, which was commanded by Hojo Ujikatsu and supported by around 4,000 samurai. They never got to complete the fortifications.

In 1590, Hideyoshi made his move. The Toyotomi troops numbered around 67, 000 against the Hojo clan’s 4,000 defenders. Basically a ratio of 16 to 1! Even then, the Hojo troops fought valiantly, and the Toyotomi suffered heavy losses. It was a vicious and bloody battle that lasted barely half a day, (according to some accounts, even as little as two hours!) and saw the deaths of most of the defenders and the destruction of the castle. It was never rebuilt. Hojo Ujikatsu and his top generals fled from Yamanaka back to assist in the defense of Odawara Castle towards the end of the battle. It was the first skirmish in the Siege of Odawara that would lead to the final downfall of the illustrious Hojo clan.

Attackers faced a steep incline, then deep dry moats before another steep slope to the main bailey, all under steady arrow and matchlock fire

Each bailey had thick, high earthen walls and watchtowers around the parameter, protecting the inner enceintes

The remains of Yamanaka Castle were proclaimed a National Historic Site in 1934. As the site had reverted to forest, preservation projects were later established. Although there are no remaining structures, the unique moat systems featuring the rare Shoji-bori and Une-bori moats can be easily seen and appreciated. The moats lie in a waffle-shaped fashion, with narrow ridges around the square shaped depressions. Although it looks easy to cross, the narrow ridges ensure the attackers can only cross carefully in single file, making them an easy target for the defenders. These ridges would most likely have featured wooden spikes and tied ropes to further hinder attackers. In 2006, the site was listed among the Top 100 Castles of Japan.

Spot：Yamanaka Castle Ruins Park

Location：Yamanaka Shinden Mishima City,Shizuoka Prefecture

Access：Take the bus fromJR Mishima Station to Yamanaka-Jo Ato Bus Stop, 1 minute walk.

Open：Always open

Closed：Never closed

Admission：Free

Parking：Available