Kirarazaka Castle

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Kirarazaka18.jpg

History

There are few records about this castle, but it is considered to be a satellite fortification of Ichijojiyama Castle and directly across the valley from Matsugasaki Castle. It was likely built by the Asakura/Azai alliance for their attacks on Kyoto in 1570. Either this castle or Ichijojiyama Castle were likely used to launch attacks on northern Kyoto burning parts of modern day Matsugasaki, Shugakuin, and Ichijoji.


Visit Notes

Across the valley from Matsugakasaki Castle and along the Kirarazaka Hiking Trail to climb Mt. Hiei is a small castle ruin called Kirarazaka Castle. The center area of the castle is marked on some of the signs and maps for the Kirarazaka Trail so even people who are not particularly interested in castles drop by to see the site. I had a brief chat with one such hiker who borrowed my map of the castle but still could not see anything castle-like about it! There are a couple trenches and flattened areas that are obvious to castle fans and a small hillock that was the center of the castle. One side of the castle is a very steep ravine and the castle is designed with baileys ordered vertically along the trail up the mountain. It makes it particularly difficult for any attackers to assualt.

If you are particularly ambitious you could go from here all the way to the top of Mt. Hiei or possibly cross the mountain roughly along the same elevation to the main castle Ichijojiyama Castle .


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Gallery
  • Kirarazaka-joshi (きらら坂城跡)
  • Take the path to the right for Ichijoji-jo and eventually Shogunyama-jo
  • For in the road from the previous map, go right for Ichijoji-jo


Castle Profile
English Name Kirarazaka Castle
Japanese Name 雲母坂城
Founder Asakura/Azai
Year Founded 1570
Castle Type Mountaintop
Castle Condition Ruins only
Historical Period Pre Edo Period
Features trenches
Visitor Information
Access Shugakuin Sta. (Eizan Railway); 60 mins walk
Visitor Information Mountain trails, open any time
Time Required 30 mins
Location Kyoto, Kyoto
Coordinates 35° 3' 18.25" N, 135° 48' 37.12" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle 2022
Contributor Eric
Admin Year Visited 2021
Admin Visits October 24, 2021
Friends of JCastle
Kojodan: Kirarazaka-jo


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