Ichijodani Castle
History
Asakura Takakage established his family home and castle at Ichijodani in 1471. During the Onin War, many elite and educated people escaped to Ichijodani making it the cultural center of the Echizen Province. The fifth Asakura lord, Yoshikage sided with the Ashikaga against Nobunaga. Yoshikage failed in an attempt to capture Oda Nobunaga and fled to Ohno leaving Ichijodani open to attack. Nobunaga attacked and burned Ichijodani in 1573. The castle deftly makes use of the long thin valley between two mountains. At both ends of the valley were narrow openings with strong gates that opened up into a flourishing castle town. The castle at the top of the mountain had three main baileys and numerous dry moats and earthen embankments protecting it.
Visit Notes
Both the train to Ichijodani Sta. and the bus from Fukui Sta. only have 6 and 8 trips leaving Fukui Sta. respectively each day. There are also some travel agent sponsored bus tours and taxi tours leaving Fukui Sta. on weekends, holidays and busy periods such as during the fall colors and cherry blossoms seasons. For details about the best route for you, consult with the tourist information desk (830am-7pm daily) at Fukui Sta. They are very helpful.
The valley with the Asakura Family Historic Ruins are the main attraction but there are also castle ruins on the top of the mountain. To see everything, it is best to plan ahead and spend the whole day.
Gallery
Castle Profile | |
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English Name | Ichijodani Castle |
Japanese Name | 一乗谷城 |
Alternate Names | Asakura Yakata |
Founder | Asakura Takakage |
Year Founded | 1471 |
Castle Type | Mountaintop |
Castle Condition | No main keep but other buildings |
Designations | Top 100 Castles, has Important Cultural Properties, Top 100 Mountaintop Castles, Special Historic Site |
Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
Features | gates, samurai homes, water moats, stone walls, walls, castle town |
Visitor Information | |
Access | Fukui Sta. (Hokuriku Line), 25min bus; or, Ichijodani Sta (Etsumihoku Line), walk |
Visitor Information | Museums are open 9am-5pm; closed 12/28-1/4; museum is 100yen admission, reconstructed town is 210yen |
Time Required | |
Website | http://www.city.fukui.lg.jp/d620/bunka/iseki/00gaiyo.html |
Location | Fukui, Fukui Prefecture |
Coordinates | 35° 59' 58.16" N, 136° 17' 44.02" E |
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Admin | |
Added to Jcastle | 2013 |
Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
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