* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Motosu Castle
本栖城
Motosu Castle is a historic castle in Chūbu dating from the Built during the Sengoku period (exact year unknown), garrisoned into the 1580s, whose lord was Takeda clan (garrisoned by Watanabe Hitoyanosuke).
Overview
Founding
Motosu Castle is a mountain fortress in Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, built at an elevation of roughly 1,056 meters on a ridge extending from Mount Eboshi toward the Aokigahara forest, between Lake Motosu and Lake Shoji. Its exact construction date is unknown, but Takeda clan documents from the Tenbun and Eiroku eras (mid-16th century) record a garrison "in Motosu," indicating it functioned as a border defense post along the Nakamichi highway linking Kai and Suruga provinces.
Lords and Garrison
From its founding through the eras of Takeda Shingen and Takeda Katsuyori, the castle was maintained under Takeda control as a border-guard post between Kai and Suruga. After the fall of the Takeda clan in 1582 (Tensho 10), Watanabe Hitoyanosuke, who had submitted to the Tokugawa, garrisoned the castle and is said to have repelled incursions by the Later Hojo clan.
Structure
Motosu Castle is a linear (rengaku) mountain fortress making use of a ridge running east to west, with surviving remains including baileys, earthen ramparts, dry moats, and stone ramparts. Part of the stonework, built from lava rock, is known as "Shingen-zuki-ishi," and multiple dry moats and the remains of a beacon platform can also be identified.
Present Day
The baileys, dry moats, and stone ramparts survive in relatively good condition today and can be visited via hiking trails. An explanatory sign has been placed on site, though the castle holds no national or prefectural cultural property designation. The nearest access point is the "Sekirui-iriguchi" bus stop, reached by bus from Kawaguchiko Station.
Connection to Swords
Not applicable
Highlights
- Takeda-era border defense post guarding the Nakamichi highway
- Mountain fortress built on a ridge roughly 1,056m in elevation
- Surviving lava-stone ramparts and a series of dry moats
- Held by Tokugawa-aligned Watanabe Hitoyanosuke against Hojo incursions after the Takeda clan's fall
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.