Nanaojō Castle Ruins

Overview

Nanaojō Castle was a mountain castle built by the Hatakeyama clan, the protectors of Noto Province, during the Muromachi and Sengoku periods. Located on a ridge at an elevation of approximately 300 meters at the northern edge of the Sekidō mountain range, it commanded breathtaking views of Nanao Bay. The castle was a large-scale complex, with numerous fortifications extending from the main ridge to smaller, branching ridges. Construction began in the first half of the 16th century, and the castle underwent repeated expansions and reinforcements, eventually reaching its maximum size. At its foot, the castle town of "Senmon Manto" stretched for over a ri (approximately 3.9 km), and the imposing Nanaojō Castle on the summit was said to be like a "heavenly palace". In 1577 (Tenshō 5), the castle fell to Uesugi Kenshin. Maeda Toshiie later entered the castle, but it was abandoned in 1589 (Tenshō 17). Today, the Nanaojō Castle ruins are a nationally designated historical site, preserving remnants of its stone walls, ramparts, and spectacular views of Nanao Bay. Well-maintained hiking trails allow visitors to explore the ruins and imagine the castle's past. The Nanaojō Castle History Museum on-site features exhibits on the castle's history and culture, including a CG reconstruction of the castle.