Yakami Castle

Overview

Yakami Castle is a mountain castle in Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture, built by the Hatano clan, local rulers of Tanba province. Located on Takajo Mountain (460m) and Hogyoji Mountain (340m), situated near the south-central part of the Sasayama Basin, the entire mountain was fortified. Elongated east to west, it boasts a naturally defensive structure; the northwest is extremely steep, while the south features a narrow ridge, making it difficult to attack and easy to defend. Yakami Castle has a long history, beginning when Hatano Kiyohisa (said to be from Iwami province) built a castle on Asajiyama in Taki County after gaining merit during the Onin War and becoming the county magistrate during the Eigisho period (1501-1521). In the late 15th century, he built Okuya Castle at the tip of the southwest ridge of Takajo Mountain, establishing a castle town in Okuya. In the early 16th century, Yakami Castle was built on the summit of Takajo Mountain as the main castle. The Hatano clan continued to fight with neighboring clans, eventually facing Oda Nobunaga's forces. In 1575, Akechi Mitsuhide, under Oda Nobunaga's orders, began to attack the castle. Despite support from the Mori and Akai clans, Hatano Hideharu's forces were starved into submission, and the castle fell in 1579. Yakami Castle was abandoned in 1609, but as a typical mountain castle with well-preserved medieval-style structures, it was designated a National Historic Site on March 2, 2005. The remaining stone walls and ramparts are truly awe-inspiring. Yakami Castle is a recommended tourist spot not only for history buffs but also for those who want to enjoy nature. When visiting Sasayama City, be sure to visit Yakami Castle.