Kōyama Castle Explained

Kōyama Castle
Nativename-A:Japanese: 高山城
Location:Kimotsuki, Kagoshima Japan
Type:yamajiro-style Japanese castle
Map Type:Japan Kagoshima Prefecture#Japan
Map Relief:yes
Controlledby:Kimotsuki clan
Open To Public:yes
Built:Heian period
Used:Kamakura to Sengoku period
Builder:Kimotsuki clan
Condition:Archaeological and designated national historical site; castle ruins

was a yamajiro-style Japanese castle located in the Shintomi-honjō neighborhood of the town of Kimotsuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Its ruins have been protected as a National Historic Site since 1945.[1]

Overview

Kōyama Castle was located in a natural stronghold with the Honjō River to the south, the Kuriyama River to the north, the Takayama River to the west, and the steep cliffs of Shirasu Plateau to the east. Furthermore, a dry moat was created across the hilly area extending southwest from the mountain area, forming a curve. The castle was first constructed at the end of the Heian period when the descendants of Taira Kanesada, who was appointed as the benzai envoy (supervisor of the manor) of Shimazu shōen, came to this area and settled. Kanesada's son, Kanetoshi, took the name of "Kimotsuki", and his descendants ruled for 18 generations, or over 400 years until the end of the Sengoku period. The Kimotsuki clan ruled most of Ōsumi Province, and parts of Hyuga Province, including Obi Castle. [2]

In the Sengoku period, Kimotsuki Kanetsugu balanced between the aggressive Shimazu clan of Satsuma Province, and the Ito clan of Hyūga Province; however, on his death the Kimotsuki came into conflict with the Shimazu clan and Kōyama Castle was surrendered to the Shimazu in 1573. The Kimotsuki clan continued to rule, albeit as retainers of the Shimazu, over significantly reduced territory until 1580, when they were transferred to Ata (present-day Kinpō-chō, Minamisatsuma), and Kōyama Castle was abandoned.[2]

Present situation

Traces of the Honmaru Inner Bailey, which was located at an elevation of 82 meters on the mountain, as well as secondary enclosures divided by dry moats and earthworks remain and can via viewed by a hiking trail. The site is approximately one hour by car from Shibushi Station on the JR Kyushu Nichinan Line.[2]

See also

Literature

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/192262. 高山城跡. Agency for Cultural Affairs. Japanese. 16 October 2021.
  2. Book: Isomura . Yukio . Sakai . Hideya . (国指定史跡事典) National Historic Site Encyclopedia . 2012 . 学生社 . 4311750404.