Oka Castle Ruins

Overview

Oka Castle Ruins is a mountain castle site located in Takeda City, Oita Prefecture, atop Tenjinyama mountain at an elevation of 325 meters. Designated as a National Historic Site and selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles, it boasts stunning cliff-like stone walls. Tradition holds that Oka Castle's construction began in 1185 when Koreyoshi Ogata welcomed Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who was fleeing from Yoritomo Minamoto. Later, in 1334, it was expanded by Sadatomo Shiga, a member of the Otomo clan, under the orders of Emperor Godaigo, and named Oka Castle. Throughout subsequent battles, Oka Castle played a crucial role. Notably, during the Toyosatsu War of 1586, under the command of Shinji Shiga, it repeatedly repelled the Shimazu army. During the Toyotomi Hideyoshi era, Hidenari Nakagawa entered the castle, and large-scale renovations were undertaken. This included expanding the western side of the castle and constructing residences for high-ranking retainers, with prominent figures like Tsuruemon Ishida (for layout design), Rokurobei Miyake, and Kinemon Yamagishi (for stonework) involved in the project. After the Meiji Restoration, the castle was abandoned due to the廃城令 (haijōrei, the order to dismantle castles), and all structures within the castle were demolished. Today, only the imposing stone walls remain. The Oka Castle Ruins are characterized by their steep, cliff-like stone walls, earning the castle its reputation as an "impregnable fortress." Remnants such as the main gate trace and the stone walls allow visitors to imagine the castle's former glory. From the castle ruins, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Aso and the Kujyu mountain range. Cherry blossoms bloom spectacularly in spring, and autumn brings a beautiful display of autumn leaves, making it a place of seasonal beauty. Oka Castle Ruins is a popular tourist spot where visitors can immerse themselves in history and nature.