* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Tamanawa Castle
玉縄城
Tamanawa Castle is a historic castle in Kantō dating from the Built 1512 (Eisho 9), abandoned in the early Edo period, whose lord was Hojo Soun (Ise Moritoki).
Overview
Founding
Tamanawa Castle, located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, was built in 1512 (Eisho 9) by Ise Moritoki, better known as Hojo Soun. As Soun expanded his influence into Sagami Province from his base at Odawara Castle, he came into conflict with the Miura clan, whose stronghold lay on the Miura Peninsula. He built Tamanawa Castle at the base of the peninsula to serve as a forward base for subjugating the Miura clan.
Location and Strategic Significance
Tamanawa Castle sits on hilly terrain overlooking Kamakura and Sagami Bay, commanding a key transit route between Kamakura and the Miura Peninsula. For the Later Hojo clan, it was valued not only as a base against the Miura clan but also as a defensive position against the Satomi clan of the Boso Peninsula.
Lords of the Castle — The Tamanawa Hojo
After its construction, castellans were drawn from close relatives of the Odawara Hojo clan, beginning with Soun's second son, Hojo Ujitoki; their line came to be known as the "Tamanawa Hojo." Subsequent castellans included Hojo Tsunanari, Hojo Ujishige, and Hojo Ujikatsu, and Tamanawa Castle continued to function as a vital stronghold of eastern Sagami supporting the main Odawara fortress.
Structure and Defense
Tamanawa Castle was a formidable fortress that made skillful use of the surrounding hilly terrain. It is said that Uesugi Kenshin of Echigo remarked that it was "an unrivaled castle in this province." For roughly 80 years after its construction, it was never captured.
Related Conflict — The Siege of Odawara and Bloodless Surrender
During Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 1590 (Tensho 18) campaign against the Later Hojo clan, the castellan at the time, Hojo Ujikatsu, was persuaded by Tokugawa Ieyasu to surrender Tamanawa Castle without bloodshed. As a result, the surrounding castle town avoided major damage even after the fall of the Hojo clan.
Present Day
With the start of the Edo period, the castle came under Tokugawa control and was subsequently abandoned. Today, most of the former castle grounds have been developed into residential and school land, though remnants of dry moats and earthen ramparts survive in places.
Connection to Swords
Not applicable
Highlights
- Founded by Hojo Soun
- Seat of the Tamanawa Hojo clan
- Unconquered for roughly 80 years
- Bloodless surrender during the Siege of Odawara
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.