* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Karasuyama Castle
烏山城
Karasuyama Castle is a historic castle in the Kantō region (Built in 1418 (Ōei 25); abandoned in 1869 (Meiji 2)). Its lord was The Nasu clan (Shimo-Nasu line), later the Narita, Itakura, Ōkubo and others.
Overview
Overview
Karasuyama Castle was a mountain castle in Nasukarasuyama City, Tochigi Prefecture, first the seat of the Nasu clan and later the castle of the Edo-period Karasuyama Domain. It stands on Mount Hachikō at about 202 meters and had no tenshu keep. It was designated a National Historic Site in 2023.
Founding and the Nasu Clan
It is said to have been built in 1418 by Nasu Sukeshige of the Shimo-Nasu line. Some sources give 1417 and attribute it to Sawamura Sukeshige, younger brother of Nasu Sukeyuki. It remained the Nasu seat thereafter. In 1590 the Nasu failed to join Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Odawara campaign and were dispossessed.
Later Lords
After Oda Nobukatsu stayed about two months, Narita Ujinaga entered in 1591. The Narita were dispossessed in 1622 over a succession dispute. Matsushita Shigetsuna, Hori Chikayoshi and Chikamasa, Itakura Shigenori and Shigetane, Nasu Sukemitsu, Nagai Naohiro, and Inagaki Shigetomi and Akikata followed. From 1725 the Ōkubo clan held it until the Meiji Restoration.
Structure
The main and second enclosures stand on the summit, with enclosures known as the "Five Castles and Three Baileys". In 1659 Hori Chikamasa added a third enclosure at the eastern foot, with a residence and a multi-story turret-wall.
Present Condition
The castle was abandoned in 1869 with the return of the domains to the emperor. It is now maintained as a prefectural natural park, and stone walls and earthworks remain in good condition. The Jinchōmon, a rear gate, was relocated and survives.
Connection to Swords
No source tying the castle to a specific sword has been confirmed.
Highlights
- Said to have been built in 1418 by Nasu Sukeshige of the Shimo-Nasu line
- A mountain castle on Mount Hachikō with no tenshu
- Held by lords from the Narita to the Ōkubo after the Nasu were dispossessed
- Enclosures known as the "Five Castles and Three Baileys"
- National Historic Site since 2023
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.