Imai Castle

History

Very little of this castle history is known. You may see it said in some early records, and even on the sign at the site, that it belonged to the Imai Clan but these records are unreliable and no other supporting records exist. Also the multiple baileys, strategic location and deep trenches look to be more than the simple fortified home of a local leader. The castle overlooks the Kasumi River and a major road that extends out to Hachigata Castle. It was likely built to keep watch over these two important arteries. In particular, it seems likely that this area was fortified by Hojo Ujitsuna against the advances of Uesugi Norifusa around this time. It probably lost importance and was abandoned as the Hojo expanded their territory farther and built other fortifications.

This is a classic example a small Sengoku Period fortification. Apart from the major central castles of leading families, there were often many smaller forts around the territory and especially along borders that weren't very large or well developed. They served a specific purpose such as watching a road or simply being available to use in the case of attack. There was no specific lord of the castle and they were easily abandoned when they were no longer needed.

Visit Notes

This is a surprisingly good castle ruin. It is quite small but the trenches and embankments are well preserved making it fun to visit. It is not too far from the station and a good beginner castle if you are in Tokyo and have start visiting more of these minor castle ruins. A few more signs would have been appreciated.
以外と面白い城跡でした。本当に小さくてこじんまりとしたお城ですが、土塁や堀が良好で訪れるのが楽しいです。駅からあまり遠くないし、土の城を探検し始めているビギナーにもおすすめです。もうちょっと説明板があるとうれしいですが。

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Gallery

trench between the first and second baileys
Trench by the second bailey
Large trench between the first and second baileys.
Trench by the second bailey
Large trench between the first, second and third baileys
Third bailey
Third bailey
Trench by the first bailey
Trench between the first and third baileys.
Trench between the first and third baileys
Trench between the first and third baileys
First or main bailey
main bailey embankment
First bailey trench
Trench between the first and second baileys
Trench between the first and second baileys
Second bailey trench
Second bailey trench

Castle Profile
English Name	Imai Castle
Japanese Name	今井城
Founder	Imai Clan
Year Founded	1522
Castle Type	Hilltop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Designations	Local Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Kaneko Sta. (Hackie Line), 20 min walk
Visitor Information	open anytime, but not actively maintained. Only one small sign near the houses built on top of the hill.
Time Required	30 mins
Location	Oume, Tokyo
Coordinates	35° 48' 36.83" N, 139° 18' 52.60" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2015
Admin Year Visited	2015
Admin Visits	May 24, 2015

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