* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Sakamoto Castle
坂本城
Sakamoto Castle is a historic castle in Kansai dating from the Built around 1571 (Genki 2), whose lord was Akechi Mitsuhide.
Overview
Sakamoto Castle was a water castle (mizujiro) built on the western shore of Lake Biwa at the foot of Mt. Hiei in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, and was a genuine early modern castle that Akechi Mitsuhide developed as his residence. In Ganki 2 (1571), Akechi Mitsuhide, who carried out the burning of Mt. Hiei under orders from Oda Nobunaga, was granted the land of Sakamoto in Ōmi Province as a reward for this achievement, and built his castle there.
Sakamoto Castle was a masterpiece of a "lake castle" (umijiro) built to project dramatically into the lake facing Lake Biwa, and is said to have embodied the finest castle-building techniques of the Oda-Toyotomi period. In Frois's Christian letters, it is recorded as "the second most beautiful castle in Japan after Azuchi Castle," revealing that it was a magnificent fortified castle into which Mitsuhide's cultural refinement and economic power were invested.
The castle's area reached approximately 240,000 square meters in extent and possessed a three-tiered, four-story tower (tenshu), making it a masterpiece of a water castle with moats drawing directly from Lake Biwa. From the main tower (tenshu), panoramic views of Lake Biwa spread out, and Mitsuhide held linked-verse poetry (renga) gatherings and tea ceremonies here, demonstrating his aspect as a cultured gentleman.
Following the Honnō-ji Incident of Tensho 10 (1582), Mitsuhide, defeated by Hashiba Hideyoshi at the Battle of Yamazaki, fell in battle during his retreat. Sakamoto Castle became a tragic site: tradition holds that Akechi Hidemitsu performed junshi for Mitsuhide's wife and children upon the castle's fall and then took his own life. Subsequently, the castle was seized and dismantled by Niwa Nagahide, and it is said that its stones were repurposed for Azuchi Castle. Today part of the castle site has been developed as a park, with a monument to "Sakamoto Castle Site Park" standing at the lakeshore.
Connection to Swords
The relationship between Sakamoto Castle and swords is directly connected to Akechi Mitsuhide's multifaceted talents and the sword culture of the Sengoku period in which he lived. Mitsuhide was not merely skilled as a military commander, but was also cultured in waka poetry, renga linked-verse, and the tea ceremony—refinements that extended to his appreciation of swords. He was knowledgeable about celebrated blades, and through interaction with Kyoto sword-smiths and famous swords, he came into contact with the finest sword culture of his era. In his life at Sakamoto Castle, Mitsuhide frequently hosted tea ceremonies and renga gatherings, displaying famous swords to his guests while demonstrating deep knowledge of swords. Sakamoto, historically a gate town of Enryaku-ji Temple, had long been a place of cultural flourishing, and its proximity to Kyoto allowed it to function as a center for the circulation of celebrated blades. Mitsuhide maintained exchange with Kyoto sword-smiths and held the role of a devoted sword collector and connoisseur, personally commissioning and authenticating blades. Just before the Honnō-ji Incident, at the Atago Hyakuin renga gathering that Mitsuhide hosted, he is said to have composed the verse "The time is now, / Heaven rules below, / This fifth month"—a verse hinting at rebellion. Even amid such spiritual tension, Mitsuhide's resolve to take up his sword and go to battle as a warrior reveals his special relationship with swords. The Shiga Prefectural Biwa Lake Culture Museum near the castle ruins houses crafts associated with Mitsuhide, conveying to the present his true image as both warrior and cultural figure.
Highlights
- Sakamoto Castle Site Park monument — stone marker and explanatory panels at the Lake Biwa shoreline
- Lake Biwa panorama — expansive lake views from the water-castle setting, including Okishima island
- Mt. Hiei backdrop — the historical relationship between the castle and the mountain Mitsuhide burned
- Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine — the primary Sanno-faith shrine, closely connected to Mitsuhide's domain
- Former Chikurin-in (National Scenic Site) — a preserved ribo garden evoking the Akechi-era atmosphere
- Sakamoto ribo district — historic monastic guest quarters of Enryakuji scattered through the town
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.