“What secrets does Iimori Park hold?” I ask. Iimori Park sits nestled at the foot of Mount Iimori. It offers more than just a green space.
Iimori Park is your gateway to a historical journey. Mt. Iimori itself boasts the ruins of Iimoriyama Castle. This castle offers a time-travel experience. You can imagine what ancient warlords once saw.
In the 16th century Kizawa Nagamasa built Iimoriyama Castle. He built it on the order of Hatakeyama Yoshitaka. But Kizawa plotted to usurp Hatakeyama. When the plan leaked, he allied with Hosokawa Harumoto. Despite attacks, Kizawa protected the castle. The fearsome Hongan-ji monks fought for him.
Miyoshi Nagayoshi defeated Kizawa Nagamasa. This happened in the Battle of Taiheiji. Around 1560 Nagayoshi took over the Kansai region. He moved to Iimoriyama Castle. He expanded the castle. Tragedy struck. He lost his brothers and his only son. Depressed, Miyoshi Nagayoshi died in this castle in 1564. He was only 42.
Oda Nobunaga attacked the castle. It was destroyed. Today, only traces of the castle walls remain.
Hikers often visit Iimori Park. They want to ascend Mt. Iimori. The trail starts at Shijonawate Shrine or Nozaki Kannon Temple. Either way, the hike takes about an hour up and an hour down. Exploring the castle ruins takes longer. Remember to bring a map. Informative boards are scarce.
Shijonawate Shrine commemorates Kusunoki Masatsura. He was the son of the famous samurai Kusunoki Masashige. Masatsura fought to revive Emperor Go-daigo’s reign. He died on the grounds of Shijonawate.
The trail to Iimoriyama Castle begins next to Shijonawate Shrine. The trail is only 4-5km long. It is not too strenuous. Mountain castles usually have a main path. This is called an Otemichi. No one has discovered Iimoriyama Castle’s Otemichi. Research continues.
Great observation spots appear near the mountain’s top. Miyoshi Nagayoshi chose Iimoriyama Castle as his base. The views helped him survey his territory.
Iimoriyama Castle’s ruins are fascinating. The stone walls are the oldest in Japan. They predate Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle.
The main buildings of Iimoriyama Castle once stood atop Mt. Iimori. There were turrets. One was called Takayugura. A statue of Kusunoki Masatsura stands here. Sadly, no statue honors Miyoshi Nagayoshi. It was his castle.
A trail from the mountain’s top leads to Nozaki Kannon Temple. Pay attention to Koguchi. It was the castle’s main entrance. Mountain castles typically had a general’s house near the bottom. Iimoriyama Castle lacked such accommodations. Miyoshi Nagayoshi lived on top of the mountain. His house was likely on Senjojiki. It is just north of the mountain’s top.
The trail from Nozaki Kannon feels like a direct route to Iimoriyama Castle. It takes about an hour. Mt. Iimori is a great place to learn about Japanese mountain castles. It is not far from Osaka City. The hike is light.
Morineki sits near Iimori Park. It is a park area and commercial facility. You can find restaurants and shops there. Stop by on your way to or from Mt. Iimori.
Iimori Park offers access to a mountain. The mountain has castle ruins. These ruins whisper tales of ambition, tragedy, and war. Take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your feet. Imagine the lives that unfolded here.