* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Tonokōri Castle
都於郡城
Tonokōri Castle is a historic castle in Kyūshū dating from the 1337 (Kenmu 4) to 1615 (Genna 1), when it was abandoned, whose lord was The Itō clan (from founder Itō Suketamochi onward); briefly occupied by Shimazu Yoshihisa.
Overview
Overview and Location
Tonokōri Castle (都於郡城) in Saito City, Miyazaki Prefecture, served as the principal seat of the Itō clan of Hyūga Province. Viewed from a distance, its terraced enclosures appear to float on water, earning it the nickname "Ukifune-jō" (Floating Ship Castle). It was designated a National Historic Site on September 6, 2000.
Construction and the Itō Clan's Base
The castle is traditionally said to have been built in 1337 (Kenmu 4) by Itō Suketamochi. For roughly 240 years thereafter it served as the seat of successive Itō clan heads. At the height of the clan's power under Itō Yoshisuke, the Itō controlled nearly all of Hyūga Province, and Tonokōri, together with Sadowara Castle, formed the core of a network known as the "48 Castles of Itō."
The Shimazu Invasion and Itō Mancio
In 1577 (Tenshō 5), pressure from the Shimazu clan forced Itō Yoshisuke to flee to Bungo Province (an episode known as the "Itō Kuzure," or Itō collapse), and Shimazu Yoshihisa occupied Tonokōri Castle. The castle subsequently served as a forward base during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's pacification of Kyūshū and the Battle of Takajō. The area beneath the castle is also known as the birthplace of Itō Mancio, chief envoy of the Tenshō Embassy to Europe.
Structural Features
The castle complex comprises five principal enclosures — the main citadel (approximately 3,500 tsubo), second enclosure (1,200 tsubo), third enclosure (600 tsubo), western citadel, and rear citadel — surrounded by more than ten terraced sub-enclosures. Its layout, which uses steep natural ravines as moats, is regarded as a representative example of medieval mountain castle construction in southern Kyūshū.
Connections to Swords and Arms
As the foremost Sengoku daimyo house of Hyūga Province, the Itō clan is said to have used swords as rewards for retainers and gifts in diplomatic exchange, and successive heads likely amassed swords and armor at Tonokōri Castle. Following the clan's decline, much of this weaponry is believed to have been lost when the Shimazu seized the castle.
Current State and Highlights
The ruins of Tonokōri Castle are now preserved as a historic site, with earthen ramparts and dry moats surviving in good condition around the main and second enclosures. The Tonokōri History Museum opened at the foot of the castle in June 2024, exhibiting the history of the Itō clan and the life of Itō Mancio.
Connection to Swords
As the seat of the Itō clan, Hyūga's foremost Sengoku house, Tonokōri likely accumulated swords and armor used as rewards and diplomatic gifts, much of which is thought to have been lost when the Shimazu seized the castle after the clan's decline.
Highlights
- National Historic Site (2000) — the Itō clan's principal seat, nicknamed the 'Floating Ship Castle'
- Large mountain castle with five main enclosures and over ten terraced sub-enclosures
- Birthplace of Itō Mancio, chief envoy of the Tenshō Embassy to Europe
- Tonokōri History Museum (opened 2024) on-site for Itō clan history
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.