* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Namioka Castle
浪岡城
Namioka Castle is a historic castle in Tōhoku dating from the Traditionally built around the Ōnin era (c. 1467); fell and was abandoned in 1578 (Tenshō 6), whose lord was The Namioka Kitabatake clan (including its founder Kitabatake Akiyoshi).
Overview
Overview
Namioka Castle was a medieval hirayama-jiro (hill castle) in Namioka, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, and served as the stronghold of the Namioka Kitabatake clan, said to descend from Kitabatake Chikafusa and Akiie, who were active during the Nanboku-chō period. It was the first castle site in Aomori Prefecture to be designated a National Historic Site, and it is also one of the Continuation of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan.
Construction and the Namioka Kitabatake Clan
The date of construction is debated, with theories placing it in the Chōroku, Ōnin, or Bunmei eras; the Ōnin era (around 1467) is considered most likely. It is said to have been built by Kitabatake Akiyoshi, the fourth-generation head of the Kitabatake clan. The Namioka Kitabatake clan subsequently ruled the area for nine generations.
Structure
The designated site extends roughly 940 meters east-west and 245 meters north-south, covering an area of about 136,300 square meters. Multiple baileys — including the Uchidate (inner hall), Kitadate, Higashidate, Nishidate, Sarugakudate, Kengyōdate, and Shindate — were divided by double moats 10 to 30 meters wide, with the central Uchidate measuring roughly 120 by 85 meters.
Fall and Abandonment
In 1578 (Tenshō 6), under the ninth head of the Namioka Kitabatake clan, Akimura, the castle was attacked and fell to Ōura Tamenobu (later known as Tsugaru Tamenobu), after which it was abandoned.
Designation and Excavations
On February 10, 1940, it became the first site in Aomori Prefecture to be designated a National Historic Site as "Namioka Castle Ruins." Excavations have continued since fiscal year 1977, uncovering more than 50,000 artifacts including tableware, cooking utensils, weapons, farming tools, everyday goods, and religious implements. Of roughly 16,000 excavated ceramic pieces, more than half are believed to be of Chinese manufacture, reflecting the trading power and cultural sophistication of the Namioka Kitabatake clan. On April 6, 2017, it was selected as No. 103 in the Continuation of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan.
Present State and Access
The site is now maintained as a historical park where earthworks and moat remains can be seen, alongside the adjacent "Aomori City Medieval Hall," which displays excavated artifacts and reconstruction models. About a 15-minute walk from Namioka Station on the JR Ōu Main Line, or a 15-minute drive from the Namioka Interchange on the Tōhoku Expressway.
Connection to Swords
Highlights
- A stronghold ruled for nine generations by the Namioka Kitabatake clan, said to descend from the noted Nanboku-chō era Kitabatake clan
- A hirayama-jiro with multiple baileys, including the Uchidate and Kitadate, divided by double moats 10 to 30 meters wide
- Aomori Prefecture's first National Historic Site designation, in 1940
- Excavations have uncovered more than 50,000 artifacts, over half of the recovered ceramics being of Chinese manufacture
- Selected as No. 103 in the Continuation of the 100 Fine Castles of Japan; artifacts are displayed at the adjacent Aomori City Medieval Hall
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.