* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Torikoshi Castle (Hakusan Castle)
鳥越城（白山城）
Torikoshi Castle (Hakusan Castle) is a historic castle in Chūbu dating from the Built around the Bunmei era (1470s), fell to Oda forces in the 8th year of Tensho (1580), whose lord was Suzuki Dewa no Kami / Ikko Ikki forces.
Overview
Torikoshi Castle is a mountain fortress located in Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and is a castle that etched its name into Sengoku history as the final stronghold of the Kaga Ikko Ikki. Also known by the alternate name 'Hakusan Castle,' it was built on a hilltop in the Tsurughi region at the foot of the Hakusan mountain range, serving as a formidable fortification.
The Kaga Ikko Ikki was an autonomous organization composed primarily of adherents of Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land True Buddhism) along with peasants and local warlords (kokujin), and it ruled Kaga Province for approximately 100 years beginning in the 2nd year of Chokyo (1488). The Ikko Ikki's rule, also known as 'a country held by peasants,' remains highly regarded as an exceptionally unique form of autonomous power in Japanese history.
Beginning in the 8th year of Tensho (1580), Shibata Katsuie, a vassal of Oda Nobunaga, invaded Kaga and Etchu, gradually conquering the various fortresses of the Ikko Ikki. Torikoshi Castle continued to resist until the end, but fell in the 8th year of Tensho (1580). After its fall, Suzuki Dewa no Kami, a major leader of the Ikko Ikki, was executed, and the Ikko Ikki's 100-year rule came to an end.
The castle ruins are currently designated as a National Historic Site under the designation 'Torikoshi Castle Ruins,' and the stone walls were restored and preserved in 1994. The panoramic view of the Hakusan mountain range and the Tegatsu River gorge from the summit emphasizes the historical significance of this place. Together with the adjacent ruins of Futoji Castle, it is preserved as a historic site under the name 'Torikoshi and Futoji Castle Ruins,' and it is visited by many history enthusiasts as the site of the Ikko Ikki's final resistance.
Connection to Swords
The relationship between Torikoshi Castle and swords is deeply connected to the unique historical existence of the Kaga Ikko Ikki and the development of sword culture in the Hokuriku region. The members of the Ikko Ikki consisted of a mix of peasants, monks, and local warlords, and the weapons they used were equally diverse. In addition to traditional weapons such as swords, spears, naginata, and bows and arrows, tanegashima (matchlock firearms) became a primary weapon of the Ikko Ikki forces. Kaga Province, ruled by the Ikko Ikki, has long been known as a production area for blades called 'Kaga-mono,' and the entire Hokuriku region—particularly including Etchu (Toyama), Echizen (Fukui), and Kaga (Ishikawa)—was highly regarded as a production center for master swordsmiths. Even under Ikko Ikki rule, Kaga's swordsmiths continued their activities, meeting the weapon demands of the Ikko Ikki forces while preserving their distinctive blade culture. During Oda Nobunaga and Shibata Katsuie's suppression of the Ikko Ikki, numerous swords and military equipment were seized as spoils of war by Oda forces. The headquarters of the Kaga Ikko Ikki, Hongan-ji Temple (Ishiyama Hongan-ji in Osaka), is said to have housed numerous swords dedicated as offerings, and some were scattered to various locations through the Ishiyama Campaign (1570–1580). The blade culture of Kaga (Ishikawa Prefecture) remains highly valued by sword collectors today as 'Etchu and Kaga blades,' and the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of History in Kanazawa displays military equipment and swords associated with the Ikko Ikki. The route from Torikoshi Castle to Kanazawa serves as a historical journey tracing Kaga's blade culture.
Highlights
- Restored Stone Walls (1994) — Preserved stone wall ruins that convey the former appearance of Torikoshi Castle
- Panoramic Views of the Hakusan Mountain Range — Vistas of the sacred peak of Hakusan and the Japanese Alps as seen from the summit
- Views of the Tegatsu River Gorge — Spectacular scenery of the Tegatsu River, a natural fortification that served the castle's defense
- Futoji Castle Ruins (Adjacent) — Designated as a historic site alongside Torikoshi Castle as twin fortresses of the Ikko Ikki
- History of the Kaga Ikko Ikki — Historical significance as the final stronghold of a century of popular self-governance
- Nature of Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture — Hiking in the rich natural environment at the foot of Hakusan
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.