* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Susaki Castle
須崎城
Susaki Castle is a historic castle in the Shikoku region (Date of construction unknown (Sengoku period; said to have been built by Tsuno Chikatada after moving the main castle from Himenono Castle)). Its lord was Tsuno Clan.
Overview
Background of Construction
Susaki Castle is a mountain castle built on Mount Shiroyama, which rises on the west side of Susaki Port in Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture. The date of its construction is not clear, but it is considered the former seat of the Tsuno clan. Iwashimaneki Castle on the southern peak is said to have been built by Tsuno Chikatada, who moved the main castle there from Himenono Castle. The Tsuno clan is said to be descended from the Mototsune line of the Fujiwara Northern House. Their founding ancestor, Tsuno Tsunetaka, is said to have entered Takaoka District in Tosa Province in the 13th year of Engi (913), opened up Tsuno-yama, and changed the family name to Tsuno. Since then, based in the Tsuno estate in the mid-western part of Takaoka District and the Tsuno Shinshō and Yusuhara estates in the mountains, the clan developed as jitō throughout the medieval period. In later times it was counted among the 'Seven Lords of Tosa.'
Succession of Lords
Records of the successive lords of Susaki Castle are scarce, and the actual situation is that they are 'not certain.' In the late Sengoku period, Tsuno Sadakatsu, head of the Tsuno clan, received a recommendation to surrender from Chōsokabe Motochika but refused it. He was expelled to Iyo by retainers who wished to submit. His successor, his child Tsuno Katsuoki, initially also opposed Motochika, but later surrendered and adopted Motochika's third son, Chikatada. Chikatada is said to have moved the main castle from Himenono to the castle mountain at Susaki.
Structure and Features
Susaki Castle was built on Mount Shiroyama, west of Susaki Port. There are castle remains on the summits of three peaks, which are called, from the south, Iwashimaneki Castle (Iwashifuri Castle), Inumodori Castle (Inukaeri Castle), and Torigoe Castle. Iwashimaneki Castle stands at about 143 meters above sea level, with the northern Honmaru and the southern Ninomaru, two enclosures, lined up north to south. Inumodori Castle stands at 150 meters above sea level. Below the Honmaru remains, enclosed by earthen ramparts, there are terraces, and remains that appear to be a horikiri (dry moat) also survive.
Present Condition
The Honmaru remains of Iwashimaneki Castle deteriorated because an air-raid shelter was dug there during the Second World War, and only a few stones from the earthen rampart remain. Because of its location, with a view over Susaki's urban area and Susaki Port, it is loved as a local place for historical walks.
Highlights
- A mountain castle on Mount Shiroyama, said to be the former seat of the Tsuno clan
- Iwashimaneki Castle, said to have been built by Tsuno Chikatada after he moved the main castle from Himenono Castle
- Castle remains on the three peaks of Iwashimaneki Castle, Inumodori Castle, and Torigoe Castle
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.