Shimoasama Yakata
History
Shimoasama-yakata was the fortified manor hall of the Akazawa Clan, lords of the medieval township of Asama-gō, which included the villages of Asama, Misayama, Shinagura, Hara, Hora and Mizukuma. It was probably built around 1522 when Akazawa Tajimanokami relocated from Ina-Matsuojō. Theres was a water-filled ditch surrounding the yakata, encompassing an area of about 100m². A settlement was built up around the yakata, extending along the roadway to the south of the yakata, and to the east and west, forming a "T"-shape. With the increasing dangers of the Warring States period, the Akazawa relocated their main residence to beneath Shinagura Castle for greater security. The Akazawa Clan would eventually flee to Saku and their residences in Asama were destroyed by the resurgent Ogasawara.
Visit Notes
Hmm, hmm, hmm! Asama-yakata is a term which relates to several possible sites. Shimoasama-yakata, or "Lower Manor Hall of Asama", however, brings us specifically to here where we find a stone marker for the site and an explanation board about it. This site, as well as another yakata site to the immediate northeast, are both referred to as Akazawa-yakata after the clan that ruled here. It's not clear to me whether both yakata existed in tandem or one replaced the other at a later date. Shimoasama-yakata may have been an extension or branch of the "upper manor hall" or vice-versa. At anyrate the site was abandoned following the Akazawa's move to Shinagura in the valley to the north.
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Shimoasama Yakata |
| Japanese Name | 下浅間館 |
| Founder | Akazawa Clan |
| Year Founded | 1522 |
| Castle Type | Fortified Manor |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Matsumoto Station; 17 minute drive / 60 minute walk |
| Visitor Information | Private Property; Signboard |
| Time Required | 1 minute |
| Location | Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 36° 15' 45.00" N, 137° 59' 12.59" E |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2021 |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
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