“Castle hill” is still what the locals call this area even today. We are standing at what was once Sakunobe Castle. It is a flat mountain castle. Sakunobe Castle is in present-day Shimosakunobe in Takatsu-ku Kawasaki.
Let’s delve into the past. Sakunobe Castle’s story allegedly began in the early Kamakura period. Inage Saburo Shigenari of the Oyamada clan is said to have built it.
But where exactly did Sakunobe Castle stand? That remains a mystery. The former castle grounds are within Midorigaoka Cemetery’s eastern section. Shigenari’s main residence was near Masugata Castle. Masugata Castle was atop Mount Masugata in Ikuta. Shigenari likely lived in a manor at the foot of the hill. Sakunobe Castle may have been Masugata’s branch castle.
Ikōji Temple once stood on this mountain. It is now Myōrakuji Temple. Minamoto no Yoritomo’s younger brother Ano Zenjō served as a monk here.
Did you know that old documents mention specific places here? The New Edition of the Musashi Fudoki speaks of Shiroyamabori. This translates to “Shiroyama moat”. It also mentions Yagurazuka and Tenshudai. Tenshudai means “Donjon hill”. This topography of Musashi Province was compiled between 1804 and 1829.
Sakunobe Castle was strategically important. Along with Kozuke Castle and Masugata Castle it formed a defensive line. This line protected the shogunal capital’s northern approach. It was established in the early Kamakura period. Later the Odawara Hōjō used this line during the Sengoku period.
Hōjō cadastral records reveal interesting details. Masuda Mitsuei commanded Kamisakunobe-mura’s military. He was also known as Masuda Suruga no Kami Mitsuei. He was a vassal of Hōjō Ujitsuna. Ujitsuna was the lord of Tamanawa Castle in Kamakura. Masuda Mitsuei built Enpukuji temple in 1521. It is located in Shimosakunobe.
Now a bit about visiting Sakunobe Castle today. A five-minute walk from Tsudayama Station on the JR Nambu Line will bring you here.
Though the castle is long gone its story remains. It is a testament to the strategic importance of this land. Close your eyes. Can you hear the echoes of samurai and monks from centuries past? Sakunobe Castle may be hidden but it is not forgotten.