* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Genbao Castle
玄蕃尾城
Genbao Castle is a historic castle in Chūbu dating from the Built in the Tensho era; served as headquarters in the 1583 Battle of Shizugatake, whose lord was Shibata Katsuie.
Overview
Overview
Genbao Castle was a mountain castle built on the summit of Mount Uchinakao, on the border between Tone in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, and Yanagase in Yogo, Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. It is known for having served as the headquarters of Shibata Katsuie during the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583 (Tensho 11), and was designated a National Historic Site as the "Genbao Castle (Uchinakao Mountain Castle) Site" on July 13, 1999. In 2017 it was also selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (No. 140).
Construction and the Battle of Shizugatake
After the Honno-ji Incident, Shibata Katsuie established a fortified camp at this strategic point commanding the Hokkoku Kaido road in preparation for his confrontation with Hashiba (Toyotomi) Hideyoshi. In the Battle of Shizugatake in 1583 (Tensho 11), Katsuie used Genbao Castle as his headquarters, facing Hideyoshi's forces deployed around Lake Yogo. The castle's name is said to derive from a ridge path called "Genba-ga-o," named after Katsuie's senior retainer Sakuma Genba-no-jo Morimasa.
Structure
The site retains well-preserved features including a boxed-gate entrance (masugata koguchi), baileys, earthen ramparts, a spur enclosure (umadashi), dry moats, and a turret base. It preserves almost intact the layout of an Oda-Toyotomi-era campaign castle and is valued as an important site conveying the advanced fortification techniques used for short-term military operations.
Connection to Warlords
Genbao Castle was the final headquarters of Shibata Katsuie, chief senior retainer of the Oda house, and the Battle of Shizugatake was the engagement that decided the course of national power thereafter. Following this defeat, Katsuie withdrew to Kita-no-Sho Castle in Echizen and took his own life, and Hashiba Hideyoshi consolidated his position as successor to the Oda regime.
Present State
After the Battle of Shizugatake, Genbao Castle was abandoned. Because it lies deep in the mountains, it escaped development, and its earthen-castle remains are well preserved. Today, hiking trails have been laid out, and it is known among castle enthusiasts as a mountain castle where one can experience an Oda-Toyotomi-era layout firsthand.
Connection to Swords
As the headquarters of Shibata Katsuie, chief retainer of the Oda house, it was the campaign castle of a Sengoku warlord and the stage of the decisive Battle of Shizugatake.
Highlights
- Final headquarters of Shibata Katsuie
- Stage of the Battle of Shizugatake
- Well-preserved Oda-Toyotomi-era campaign-castle layout
- Boxed gate, spur enclosure, and dry moats
- Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (No. 140)
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.