Mino Kanayama Castle

Mino Kanayama Castle was a mountain castle located in Kanayama, Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, built on the summit of Mount Kojo (also called Mount Uho, 276 m above sea level). It originated as Uho Castle, built by Saito Masayoshi in 1537 (Tenbun 6). Later, Mori Yoshinari, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga, took over and renovated the castle and renamed it "Kanayama Castle." It was designated a National Historic Site as "Mino Kanayama Castle Ruins" in 2013, and in 2017 it was selected as No. 143 of the Continued 100 Famous Castles of Japan.

Background of Construction

The predecessor of Mino Kanayama Castle is said to be Uho Castle, built by Saito Masayoshi in 1537 on the summit of Mount Kojo. Afterward, Mori Yoshinari, a retainer of Oda Nobunaga, took over and renovated the castle and renamed it Kanayama Castle.

Lords and Succession

After Mori Yoshinari's death, the castle was known as the seat of the Mori clan, from which his son Mori Nagayoshi and later Mori Ranmaru (Mori Naritoshi) emerged. 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 as one of his places of origin. Mori Nagayoshi also took part in the Battle of Komaki and Nagakute, and the castle functioned as a base for expanding the power of the Mori clan.

Structure and Defenses

Earthworks, a well, and dry moats remain within the castle grounds. When the castle was dismantled, some of its building materials are said to have been moved to nearby castles, and it is known as an example showing traces of the so-called "haijo" (deliberate castle demolition).

Current Status and Preservation

Designated a National Historic Site as "Mino Kanayama Castle Ruins" in 2013, the site has since been subject to preservation and maintenance work carried out by Kani City. Stone walls, dry moats, and earthworks can be observed throughout the castle hill area.