Kamogatake Castle

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鴨ヶ嶽城 01.1.JPG

History

The Nakano Clan are thought to have first built Kamogatakejō but it was later rebuilt by the Takanashi Clan after they established their yakata (fortified manor house) on the plain below. Uesugi Kenshin ordered Takanashi Masayori to help fortify Iiyamajō, but Takeda Shingen cut off his supply lines. Many warriors, including the Kojima Clan, deserted, and Northern Shinano was left to only the Takanashi and Shimazu clans to defend. Kamogatakejō and surrounding fortifications were attacked in 1556 during the campaign against Iiyamajō, and then later in 1559 by Kōsaka Tadamasa who attacked when Uesugi Kenshin was "out of town" in Kyōto (according to my reading Kenshin tried to keep his route to Kyōto clear but was kept busy at home by revolts inspired by Takeda Shingen). Shingen eventually took over Kamogatakejō and installed the Kojima as castellans. Some time later, after the death of Takeda Katsuyori, the Takanashi Clan regained Kamogatakejō but were soon relocated to Aizu along with the Uesugi Clan in 1598. At that time Kamogatakejō and other surrounding castles were abandoned. Nakano was later the site of the Nakano-jin'ya in the Edo Period.


Visit Notes

Kamogatakejō is a series of trenches and baileys carved into the mountain ridge. The hike up is a bit trying and rocky in places but the trail well developed. The views are fantastic. The trenches make for an envigorating, undulating hike.
The Nakano Clan are thought to have first built Kamogatakejō but it was later rebuilt by the Takanashi Clan after they established their yakata (fortified manor house) on the plain below. Uesugi Kenshin ordered Takanashi Masayori to help fortify Iiyamajō, but Takeda Shingen cut off his supply lines. Many warriors, including the Kojima Clan, deserted, and Northern Shinano was left to only the Takanashi and Shimazu clans to defend. Kamogatakejō and surrounding fortifications were attacked in 1556 during the campaign against Iiyamajō, and then later in 1559 by Kōsaka Tadamasa who attacked when Uesugi Kenshin was "out of town" in Kyōto (according to my reading Kenshin tried to keep his route to Kyōto clear but was kept busy at home by revolts inspired by Takeda Shingen). Shingen eventually took over Kamogatakejō and installed the Kojima as castellans. Some time later, after the death of Takeda Katsuyori, the Takanashi Clan regained Kamogatakejō but were soon relocated to Aizu along with the Uesugi Clan in 1598. At that time Kamogatakejō and other surrounding castles were abandoned. Nakano was later the site of the Nakano-jin'ya in the Edo Period.




Gallery


Castle Profile
English Name Kamogatake Castle
Japanese Name 鴨ヶ嶽城
Founder Nakano Clan; Takanashi Clan
Year Founded Medieval Era
Castle Type Mountaintop
Castle Condition Ruins only
Designations Prefectural Historic Site
Historical Period Pre Edo Period
Artifacts Dorui, Horikiri, Kuruwa
Features trenches
Visitor Information
Access Shinshuu-Nakano Station on the Shinano Line; 20 minute walk to trail head
Visitor Information Free; 24/7; Mountain
Time Required 60 minutes
Location Nakano, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates 36° 44' 35.27" N, 138° 23' 16.58" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle 2021
Contributor ART
Admin Year Visited Viewer Contributed


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(one vote)
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