ここに行くには～How to get There – ページ 83 – 日本200名城バイリンガル (Japan's top 200 castles and ruins)

145.Kokokuji Castle Part3

A good place to visit in Numazu City

Later History

After Kokokuji Castle was abandoned, the area was turned into farm. In 1857, people founded the Homi Shrine at the ruins for prosperity after a large earthquake and famine. Numazu City has been investigating and excavating the ruins since 1982. The ruins were designated as a National Historic Site in 1995. The city is thinking about developing the ruins as a historical park with restored water moats.

The development plan of Numazu City on the signboard at the site

My Impression

I thought that Kokokuji Castle was just the castle for Soun Hojo to make his first career. However, the castle had the history of over 100 years after him. That was because the castle was at a very important area and had a good location. I think that the ruins of Kokokuji Castle are a good place to visit in Numazu City. If the weather is fine, you can also see the top of Mt. Fuji from the ruins.

The Main Enclosure surrounded by the earthen walls

How to get There

If you want to visit there by car:
It is about 20 minutes away from Numazu IC on Tomei Expressway.
There is a parking lot in the ruins.
By public transportation, it takes about 30 minutes on foot from Hara Station. Or take the Fujikyu City Bus bound for Higashi-Hiranuma or Fuji-eki from Numazu Station, and get off at the Higashi-Nekoya Bus Stop.
To get Hara Station or Numazu Station from Tokyo: Take the Tokaido Shinkansen Super Express, and transfer to the Tokaido Line at Mishima Station.

Links and References

・Kokokuji Castle Ruins (Numazu City Official Web Site)

That’s all.
Back to “Kokokuji Castle Part1”
Back to “Kokokuji Castle Part2”

145.興国寺城　その３

沼津市おすすめの観光地

その後

興国寺城が廃城となった後、この区域は畑になりました。1857年、大きな地震と飢饉の後、人々は降伏を願い城跡に穂見神社を建てました。沼津市は1982年以来、城跡の調査と発掘を続けてきました。1995年には城跡は国の史跡に指定されます。沼津市はこの城跡に水堀を復元し、歴史公園として整備しようと考えています。

私の感想

私は、興国寺城は単に北条早雲が旗揚げをした城だと思っていました。しかし、この城は早雲の後、100年以上の歴史を持っているのです。この城はとても重要な位置にあり、立地にも恵まれているからです。興国寺城跡は、沼津市のおすすめの観光地だと思います。天気が良ければ、城跡から富士山の頂を望むこともできます。

ここに行くには

車で行く場合：
東名自動車道路の沼津ICから約２０分かかります。
城跡の中に駐車場があります。
公共交通機関を使う場合は、原駅から歩いて３０分かかります。または沼津駅から富士急シティバスの東平沼行きか富士駅行きに乗り、東根古屋バス停で降りてください。
東京から原駅または沼津駅まで：
東海道新幹線に乗り、三島駅で東海道線に乗り換えてください。

リンク、参考情報

・興国寺城跡、沼津市公式ウェブサイト
・「城の政治戦略／大石泰史」角川選書
・「列島縦断「幻の名城」を訪ねて／山名美和子著」集英社新書
・「興国寺城跡」沼津市教育委員会

これで終わります。
「興国寺城その１」に戻ります。
「興国寺城その２」に戻ります。

24.Takeda Clan Hall Part3

One of the most popular tourist spots in Yamanashi Pref.

Later History

After the Meiji Restoration, people in Yamanashi Prefecture started to honor the activities of Shingen Takeda. In addition, it was recommended to worship gods of war like Shingen in shrines after Japan’s victory in the Russo‐Japanese War in 1905. As a result, Takeda Shrine was established on the ruins of Takeda Clan Hall in 1919. The Shrine and Shingen have now become symbols of the prefecture and famous attractions for tourism.

My Impression

After I visited the ruins of Takeda Clan Hall, I understood the Takeda Clan, including Shingen, made great efforts to reinforce their home base. In fact, I think the hall was a bit small for a great warlord like Shingen. It could be because Shingen thought that a good offense is the best defense. Shingen tried to broaden his territory all through his life. I also think that the style of a castle is often reflected by the character of its founder or owner.

The statue of Shingen Takeda in front of Kofu Station *(licensed by そらみみ via Wikimedia Commons)*

The entrance of the West Enclosure of Takeda Clan Hall

How to get There

If you want to visit there by car:
It is about 30 minutes away from Kofu-showa IC on Chuo Expressway.
Takeda Shrine offers a parking lot near the shrine.
By public transportation, it takes about 30 minutes on foot or take the Yamanashi-kotsu Bus bound for Takeda-jinja (Takeda Shrine) from Kofu Station.
To get Kofu Station from Tokyo: Get the limited express Azusa or Kaiji at Shinjuku Station.

Links and References

・Visit Kofu (Official Tourism Website for Kofu City)

That’s all.
Back to “Takeda Clan Hall Part1”
Back to “Takeda Clan Hall Part2”