Shigisanjo Castle is a magnificent castle ruin built on the summit of Mount Shigi, on the border between Yamato and Kawachi provinces. It was the home of Matsunaga Hisahide, a prominent warlord of the Sengoku period.
Overview
Shigisanjo Castle is a mountain castle located on the 433m summit of Mount Shigi in Heguri-cho, Ikoma-gun, Nara Prefecture. Mount Shigi was a strategically important location since ancient times, situated at a crucial point connecting Yamato and Kawachi provinces. The castle was constructed during the late Muromachi period by Kizawa Nagamasa and is famously known for its later occupancy by Matsunaga Hisahide. Matsunaga Hisahide, renowned for rebelling against Oda Nobunaga, ruled Yamato Province from Shigisanjo Castle. The castle boasts a vast area of 880m north-south and 600m east-west, reflecting its imposing presence as a military base of its time. Remnants such as stone walls and moats remain today, offering a glimpse into the past. Shigisanjo Castle is one of the representative mountain castles of the Sengoku period, a must-see for history buffs. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Nara Basin from the castle. When visiting Shigisanjo Castle, consider also visiting Saigo Sonsi Temple at the foot of Mount Shigi. This temple offers a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
Public Transportation
Kintetsu Ikoma Line: Get off at Shigisan-yama Station → Nara Kotsu Bus: Get off at Shigisan-Ohashi Station via Shigisan
Kintetsu Shigisan Line: Transfer to Nishi-Shigi Cable Car at Shigisan-guchi Station, get off at Takayasan Station → Kintetsu Bus: Get off at the terminal stop for Shigisanmon
Car
From Ikoma Tozanguchi on the Hanna Road, via the Shigi-Ikoma Skyline.
Kashiwara City Road Shigi-Oake Line: Head east from Oake-minami Intersection (Kashiwara City) on National Route 170 (old road), passing Takao Summit and Shigisan Nodokamura, to reach near Shigisanmon.
Nara Prefectural Road 236 Shigisan Line
Osaka Prefectural Road 183 Hondou-Takaitada Line
*Paid parking available for visitors to Saigo Sonsi Temple
On Foot
Approximately 2 hours from Kintetsu Takayasan Station to the summit of Mount Shigi
Approximately 1 hour from near the Shigisanmon bus stop to the summit of Mount Shigi
Approximately 30 minutes from near the main hall of Saigo Sonsi Temple to the summit of Mount Shigi Show route
Op.Hours
24 hours a day
Cld.Days
No holidays
Fee
Free
INFO
Reaching Shigisan Castle, located high on a mountain, can be challenging on foot. We recommend using a car, bus, or cable car to access the site. The weather can significantly impact your visit, so checking the forecast beforehand is highly recommended. In particular, be extra cautious during rainy weather as the paths can become very slippery.