Nirayama Castle

Overview

Nirayama Castle is a Sengoku period castle ruin located in Izu-no-Kuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture. It served as a crucial base for the Later Hojo clan's control of Izu. Construction is believed to have begun in the late Muromachi period by Ise Moritoki (Hojo Soun) as a strategic foothold in his expansion into the Kanto region. It subsequently functioned as the center of the Later Hojo clan's rule in Izu. During the Odawara Campaign of 1590, Hojo Ukinori held out against Toyotomi Hideyoshi's army for approximately 100 days in a fierce battle. Tales of this conflict are still recounted today, underscoring the profound history of Nirayama Castle. A portion of the castle ruins has now been developed into a park, offering glimpses into the past. Well-maintained walking paths allow visitors to see remaining structures such as ramparts and earthen walls. Explore the history of Nirayama Castle, imagine the battles fought and the lives of the people who lived there, and deepen your understanding of this pivotal period. The area surrounding Nirayama Castle also features other historically significant sites such as the Egawa Residence, the former home of Egawa Tarozaemon, the Nirayama magistrate, and the Nirayama Castle Museum, which provides further insights into the castle's history. This is a must-visit location for history enthusiasts.