Torigoe Castle

Overview

Torigoe Castle was a Japanese castle (yamajiro, or mountain castle) located in Misaka-machi, Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture. Along with Futoge Castle, located on the opposite bank of the Daij River, it's designated as a national historic site. Torigoe Castle was built around the beginning of the Tensho era (1573) under the command of Suzuki Dewa no Kami, a vassal of the Sannai Sojo in the Hakusan foothills. Its construction coincided with Oda Nobunaga's campaign to quell the Kaga Ikko-ikki rebellion, serving as a base of resistance for the Sannai Shu, a group of Ikko-ikki followers. In 1580 (Tensho 8), the castle fell to Shibata Katsuie's Oda forces, resulting in the annihilation of the Suzuki clan, the leading family of the Sannai Shu. While subsequently under the control of Yoshihara Jirobei, an Oda retainer, resistance continued from the Hakusan foothills Ikko-ikki, leading to prolonged battles. However, on March 1, 1582 (Tensho 10), the remaining forces were suppressed by Sakuma Morimasa, an Oda retainer, with over three hundred people crucified. Torigoe Castle holds significant historical importance as a testament to the triumphs and failures of the Hakusan foothills Ikko-ikki followers during the Kaga Ikko-ikki rebellion. Today, it's maintained as a historic park, with gates and stone walls reconstructed based on archaeological findings. On April 6, 2017, it was selected as one of the Continued 100 Famous Castles of Japan (No. 136). Torigoe Castle is highly recommended for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Hakusan foothills while contemplating its rich history.