Hamamatsu Information Book

The Mitake Castle or Mitake-jo stood on the top of Mt.Mitake. It was built by the Ii, a strong clan in the region during the Middle Age, and played a great role during the Northern and Southern Courts period.

 

Prince Munenaga, a son of Emperor Godaigo and one of the leaders of the army of Southern Courts, resided in the castle in 1339 until it was fallen by the Northern army led by the Ashikaga in 1340. The prince took refuge in the Oidaira Castle. Later, the castle was used by Shiba Yoshitatsu to defeat the Asahina Yasutomo, a vassal of the Imagawa who ruled the Kakegawa Castle, in 1514. That is the last record it was used as a fortress.

 

The castle had the typical layout of castles in the Middle Age. It ably took advantage of its location at the top of a mountain. The main fortress, second fortress, and third fortress were laid in row along the spine of the mountain.

 

The view from the 466.4m high summit is magnificent. It takes 30 minutes by walk from the Mitake Shrine. You can see Lake Hamana and Act Tower in the distance on a sunny day.