* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Yoshida-Koriyama Castle
吉田郡山城
Yoshida-Koriyama Castle is a historic castle in the Chūgoku region (Motonari moved in 1523 (Daiei 3); abandoned 1591 (Tensho 19)). Its lord was Mori Motonari.
Overview
Overview
Yoshida-Koriyama Castle was a mountain castle in Yoshida-cho, Akitakata, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is known as the castle used as their base by the Mori clan, who settled in the Yoshida estate in Aki Province as its jitō from the Nanboku-chō period and made it their base throughout. It is designated a National Historic Site as part of "Mori Clan Castle Sites / Tajihi Sarukake Castle Site / Koriyama Castle Site", on 30 August 1940.
Mori Motonari and the expansion of the castle
In 1523 (Daiei 3) Mori Motonari took over as head of the main Mori line, moved here from Sarukake Castle in Tajihi, and enlarged the castle area. In 1540 (Tenbun 9) he repelled an attack by Amago Haruhisa and from then on wielded power across the Chugoku region from this base. Under Motonari the castle grew to cover the whole of Mount Koriyama (about 400 m above sea level, about 200 m above its base), with an area of roughly 1.1 km east-west and 0.9 km north-south. It was abandoned in 1591 (Tensho 19) when his grandson Terumoto moved to Hiroshima.
Structure
The summit of Mount Koriyama was levelled for the main enclosure, with the second and third enclosures to its south. Traces of stone walls and the remains of the various enclosures survive.
Present state
The graves of Motonari and other Mori family members lie at the foot of the mountain.
Connection to Swords
No reliable record linking Yoshida-Koriyama Castle to particular swords has been confirmed. It is known as the base of the Mori clan, who built their power across the Chugoku region.
Highlights
- Main enclosure on the summit with second and third enclosures — stone wall traces and enclosure remains
- Graves of Mori Motonari and others — at the foot of the mountain
- Castle area covering the whole mountain — about 1.1 km by 0.9 km
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.