Tenjinyama Castle (Inaba)

Tenjinyama Castle (Inaba) refers to a former castle located in the Inaba Province (present-day Tottori Prefecture), Japan. It was a mountain castle (yamashiro) constructed on Mount Tenjin (Tenjinyama). The castle's primary period of activity was during the Sengoku period, serving as a strategically important point in the region's conflicts.

History:

While precise details regarding its construction date and early history are somewhat unclear, Tenjinyama Castle gained prominence as a stronghold controlled by the Yamana clan, who were influential in the Inaba region. Later, it came under the control of various warlords, including the Takeda clan and the Mori clan, reflecting the shifting power dynamics of the Sengoku era. The castle played a role in numerous battles and sieges as different factions vied for control of Inaba.

Structure:

Tenjinyama Castle, typical of mountain castles, utilized the natural terrain of Mount Tenjin for its defenses. It consisted of interconnected baileys (kuruwa), earthen ramparts, dry moats (horikiri), and stone walls (ishigaki) in some areas. The layout was designed to maximize defensive capabilities and control key vantage points overlooking the surrounding area. Though largely in ruins today, remnants of these structures provide insights into the castle's former layout and defensive strategies.

Present Day:

Today, the site of Tenjinyama Castle is primarily a historic site. While the castle structures are largely gone, remnants of the earthworks and stone walls remain, allowing visitors to gain an understanding of the castle's scale and layout. Archaeological surveys have been conducted at the site, providing further information about its history and function. The location often provides panoramic views of the surrounding Inaba region.