Choujayashiki Yakata

History

The Chōjayashiki-yakata was the fortified residence of Shiro Io during the mid-16th century. After the Shiro Clan the Nagao Clan took over the site and they would go on to support Takeda Shingen during his invasion of the area. A 'chōja' was a powerful or rich person, and so this residence may have been quite lavish, along with tall walls to protect the owner's treasures. Quite tellingly, even though just a yakata (fortified manor house), it consisted of multiple baileys.

Visit Notes

This is just a local residence ruin. I cycled here after work. I was quite surprised to find well-defined dorui (earth-piled ramparts) surrounding much of the site. There were even two baileys. The earthworks between the first and second bailey are heaped tall and wide, perhaps as a mound for a tower to be built on. Now there is a slide there for children. The site is a park, called Chōjahara-kōen, and community center.

Gallery

Castle Profile
English Name	Choujayashiki Yakata
Japanese Name	長者屋敷館
Founder	Shiro Io
Year Founded	Tenbun Era
Castle Type	Fortified Manor
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Artifacts	Kuruwa, Dorui
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Murai Station on the Chuo Line; 20 minute walk
Visitor Information	24/7 free; park
Time Required	20 minutes
Location	Shiojiri, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates	36° 9' 53.46" N, 137° 56' 47.08" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2020
Contributor	ART
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed

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