Katsuyama Castle (Tsuru)

History

There were competing theories about the origins of this castle, whether it was built by the Oyamada or the Asano. In consideration of recent surveys and other Oyamada castles nearby, the Oyamada origins seem to be the more likely. In that case, the castle was built around 1532 by Oyamada Nobuari as a mountain redoubt (詰城) of Yamura Castle across the river.

After the fall of the Oyamada (1583), different lords ruled the castle as a satellite castle from Kofu while pacifying the region. After Ieyasu moved to Kanto, Asano Nagamasa (1593) and his family also ruled over Yamura Castle/Katsuyama Castle. The Yamura Domain was established in in 1601 with Torii Noritsugu, but it was placed under direct control of the bakufu in 1704. Katsuyama Castle was abandoned along with Yamura Castle, but Yamura Jin'ya was established near Yamura Castle or in a part of it.

Visit Notes

I visited Katsuyama Castle after Iwadono Castle, a few stops earlier on the train line from Tokyo. It's about a 10 min walk from the station. Along the way you'll cross a bridge over the Katsura River which creates an additional natural defense as well. This is a very easy castle to visit and highly recommended if you are in the area. The site is well kept and offers some nice views of the valley. The north side of the Honmaru actually has some stonework that is likely from when the Asano renovated the castle. It should also be visited with Yamura Castle, even though there is not much to be seen. The two create a typical Sengoku Period mountaintop castle and foothills fortified palace combination.

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Castle Profile
English Name	Katsuyama Castle (Tsuru)
Japanese Name	勝山城
Founder	Oyamada Nobuari
Year Founded	1532
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	Prefectural Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches, stone walls
Visitor Information
Access	Yamuramachi Sta. (Otsuki Line), 15 min walk
Visitor Information	mountain, open 24/7
Time Required	60 mins
Website	https://www.city.tsuru.yamanashi.jp/soshiki/shougaigakushuu/bunkashinko t/1/993.html
Location	Tsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture
Coordinates	35° 33' 15.62" N, 138° 54' 14.80" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2020
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2019
Admin Visits	January 14, 2019

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