Aoki Castle (Azumi)

History

Aokijō was a satellite castle of Kibunejō. Kibunejō is itself a large site, but the ruins of Aokijō are located along a different ridge with intervening elevation in between, and so this is a proper tsumejō, or satellite fort. I've been trying to be more consistent in my translations. Tsumejō I've rendered "satellite castle" whilst shijō would be "branch castle". The former is a fort designed to assist in defence of a larger nearby site, whilst shijō has broader geopolitical conotations, with some shijō being quite far from their parent sites. Tsumejō should be located nearby. See my profile on Kibunejō for more information: Azumi Kibune Castle.

Visit Notes

Aokijō is a sort of Popeye of a castle. The ruins aren’t so big, but the rear is protected by a very large trench (at least ten metres deep) with a well-constructed dobashi (earthen bridge) spanning it to reach the main baily, which is also protected on that side by dorui (earthen ramparts). This incredible defensive feature seems very large for an otherwise small fort, and so in its proportions and power reminded me of that famous sailor’s forearms! The site otherwise features two integral baileys, terraced baileys on the northern ridge, and what may be a tatebori (climbing moat) or dug-out road with embankments to the south. Aokijō is quite the interesting little site.

Gallery

Dorui, Dobashi, Karabori

Castle Profile
English Name	Aoki Castle (Azumi)
Japanese Name	安曇青木城
Founder	Nishina Clan (probably)
Year Founded	Sengoku Period
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Artifacts	Karabori, Dorui, Kuruwa, Ohte
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Shinano-Ômachi Station or Minami-Ômachi Station on the Ôito Line; 30 minute walk to trailhead at Jōfukuji
Visitor Information	24/7 free; mountain
Time Required	20 minutes
Location	Ômachi, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates	36° 29' 0.89" N, 137° 52' 59.84" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2021
Contributor	ART
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed
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