Kannonji Castle

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The ruins of Kannonji Castle (観音寺城, Kannonji-jō^?) are located at the top of Mount Kinugasa in the town of Azuchi, Shiga Prefecture, near the ruins of Azuchi Castle. At the site, the ruins of stone walls, a stone well, and a historical signboard can be found.

According to the signboard and other sources, Kannonji Castle was intended to defend Ōmi Province and was the base-castle of the Sasaki (佐々木), or Rokkaku clan. Construction of the castle was completed in 1468. The castle was attacked and taken during the Onin War (1467-77). Renovations were done during the Kōji Era, and the stone ramparts were enlarged and furnished with guns, probably small cannons. In September 1558, an unnamed member of the Oda clan, most likely Oda Nobunaga, "triumphantly entered" the castle. The Sasaki clan continued to operate from Kannonji Castle, but in 1582 it was attacked and destroyed, along with Azuchi Castle.

In 1969 and 1970, artifacts were discovered during excavations in the area of the main courtyard (hon-maru).

[edit] Significance

Kannonji Castle is counted among Japan's Five Greatest Mountain Castles, along with Kasugayama Castle, Nanao Castle, Odani Castle and Gassantoda Castle.

[edit] References

• Sansom, George (1961). "A History of Japan: 1334-1615." Stanford, California: Stanford University Press.