Mino Kanayama Castle

Mino Kanayama Castle was a mountain castle in Kanayama, Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, built on the summit of Mount Kojo (also called Mount Uho, elevation 276 m). It originated as Uho Castle, built in 1537 by Saito Masayoshi, and was later renovated and renamed "Kanayama Castle" by Mori Yoshinari, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga. It was designated a National Historic Site as "Mino Kanayama Castle Ruins" in 2013 and was selected as No. 143 of the Continued 100 Fine Castles of Japan in 2017.

Founding Background

The predecessor of Mino Kanayama Castle is said to be Uho Castle, built in 1537 by Saito Masayoshi on the summit of Mount Kojo. It was subsequently seized and renovated by Mori Yoshinari, an Oda Nobunaga retainer who oversaw the Mino and Owari region, and renamed Kanayama Castle.

Lords and Succession

After Mori Yoshinari's death, the castle is known as the residence of the Mori clan, from which came his son Mori Nagayoshi and later Mori Ranmaru (Mori Naritoshi). Mori Ranmaru served as a page to Oda Nobunaga and is known for dying alongside him at the Honno-ji Incident; Kanayama Castle is counted among his places of origin. Mori Nagayoshi also took part in the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute, and the castle functioned as a base for the expansion of Mori clan power.

Structure and Defenses

Earthworks, a well, and dry moats remain within the castle grounds. When the castle was dismantled, some of its building components are said to have been relocated to nearby castles, making it a known example of the practice of deliberate castle demolition (haijo).

Current State and Preservation

Designated a National Historic Site as "Mino Kanayama Castle Ruins" in 2013, the site has since been preserved and maintained by Kani City. Stone walls, dry moats, and earthworks can still be observed throughout the castle hill.