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Guide to Japanese Castles

Takeda Castle

竹田城

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Alternate Name torafushi-jo
Founder Ohtagaki Mitsukage
Year 1441
Type Mountaintop
Condition Ruins
Admin's Rating ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Historical Site National Historic Site
Historical Value Top 100 Castles
Location Wadayama, Hyogo Pref.
Map Google Map
Access Takeda Station (Bantan Line); 40 min walk or 15 min taxi (1000 yen)
Website Wadayama Town
Visited November 15, 2009
Notes This is a truly impressive castle. Despite being only ruins; the location, stone walls, design, and view easily make it worth 4 stars. It is amazing how they built such extensive stone walls on top of the mountain. I'm also very glad the town hasn't ruined the atmosphere by putting fences or shrubs along the steep drop-offs along the edges of the stone walls like I've seen at other castles. There are few trains running to Takeda and you'll want at least 90 minutes at the castle (depending on how much you take pictures) so plan accordingly. There is some historic atmosphere of the old castle town and temples near the station but I did not have time to explore them this time since I was going to Himeji in the afternoon. Next time, I think I could spend the whole day here. There are also nice views looking down on the castle from a nearby mountain.
History Takeda Castle was built on this site in the path of aggression between Harima/Tanba and Tajima as a stronghold of Izushi Castle. It was built by Ohtagaki Mitsukage, a retainer of Yamana Sozen, lord of the area, in 1441. Ohtagaki, who had been a military commander of the Yamana clan for 5 generations became lord of the castle.

Takeda Castle was conquered by Hideyoshi in his Tajima of 1577. Hideyoshi placed it in the control of his younger brother, Hidenaga, who moved to Izushi less than 2 years later. Akamatsu Hirohide, the last lord of the castle fought on the side of the Western Forces for Tokugawa at the battle of Sekigahara in the attack on Tottori Castle. Hirohide served valiantly in the battle, but was accused of setting the castle town on fire. Later that year he committed seppuku and the Takeda Castle was abandoned.

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  • Very happy art lady    October 22, 2008 at 04:02 PM
    Thank you so much for this whole site, and particularly for the information on accessing it. The only reason I came to visit the ruins in Takeda was because of the information you've collated here, and it was one of the most incredible scenes I've ever witnessed. A truly amazing climb, the reward being not only seeing what's left of the stonework and spatial plan, but also the tremendous views. Even the train ride was enjoyable. Thank you so much for the effort you've put into this whole site. Cheers!