Shakujii Castle

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Shakujii1.jpg

History

The Shakujii village area was led by the Toshima clan from the end of the Heian Period. It is likely they had some kind of fortification on this site much earlier, but a proper castle was built around the mid to late 1400's as they attempted to solidify their holdings in response to a build up of power by the Ogigayatsu Uesugi at Kawagoe Castle, Iwatsuki Castle and Edo Castle. A 1476 alliance with Nagao Kageharu put the Toshima in the crosshairs of the Ogigayatsu and their top retainer Ota Dokan. Toshima Yasutsune led forces from Shakujii Castle and Nerima Castle against Ota Dokan who had attacked Yasutsune's brother Yasuaki at Hiratsuka Castle. Yasutsune lost the battle on the field of Ekoda Numabukuro. Yasukai was killed at this battle and as a condition of surrender, Yasutsune was supposed to destroy Shakujii Castle, but he did not. Ota Dokan then attacked the castle and Toshima fled to Hiratsuka Castle. When Hiratsuka Castle next fell to Ota Dokan, Yasutsune fled to Kozukue Castle. When Kozukue Castle fell to Ota Dokan Yasutsune disappeared and the Toshima clan came to an end.


Visit Notes

The castle remains are fenced off and only open around Culture Day each year.


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Gallery
  • Bridge across the Sanpoji Pond
  • Plaque and sign for the castle
  • Central bailey and trench
  • Central bailey and trench
  • Outer Bailey
  • Central bailey and trench
  • Central bailey and trench
  • Central bailey and trench
  • Outer Bailey
  • Embankment of the central bailey
  • Central bailey
  • central bailey moat
  • Moat of the central bailey
  • Moat of the central bailey
  • Earthen embankment
  • Sanpoji Pond
  • Map of Shakujii Park
  • Map of the central bailey
  • Castle ruins are off limits


Castle Profile
English Name Shakujii Castle
Japanese Name 石神井城
Founder Toshima clan
Year Founded late 1400's
Castle Type Flatland
Castle Condition Ruins only
Historical Period Pre Edo Period
Features trenches
Visitor Information
Access Shakujii Koen Sta (Seibu Ikebukuro Line), 20 min walk
Visitor Information The park seems to be open any time, but the castle remains are fenced off and only open around Culture Day each year.
Time Required 30 mins
Website http://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index006.html
Location Tokyo, Tokyo
Coordinates 35° 44' 13.24" N, 139° 35' 47.65" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle 2015
Admin Year Visited 2015
Admin Visits November 3, 2015


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