高遠城
Takato Castle
Overview
Takato Castle, perched on dramatic cliffs at the confluence of two rivers in Ina Valley, Nagano, was one of Takeda Shingen's most important strategic fortresses. In 1582, it became the site of one of Japan's most heroic last stands: castle lord Nishina Morinobu defended it with fewer than 3,000 men against Oda Nobunaga's overwhelming army of 50,000, fighting to the last in a single day of desperate combat. Today, Takato is celebrated as Japan's most beautiful cherry blossom castle — the 'Number One Cherry Blossoms Under Heaven' — with 1,500 deep-pink Kohigan cherry trees blooming each April against its stone walls. The castle is also linked to the swords of the Takeda clan and Ina Valley's own smithing tradition.
Connection to Swords
Takato Castle's sword heritage flows from two sources: the Takeda clan's martial culture and the Ina Valley's own swordsmithing tradition. Takeda Shingen, one of the Sengoku era's greatest warriors, was deeply versed in sword culture, and the blades carried by his castle commander Nishina Morinobu during the 1582 last stand represent Sengoku combat swords at their finest and most purposeful. The Suwa region adjacent to Ina Valley was a major site of sword veneration — Suwa Grand Shrine's sacred treasures include swords spanning ancient to early modern periods. Later lord Hoshina Masayuki became the founder of the Aizu domain's sword culture. The Takato Town History Museum preserves Nishina, Takeda, and Hoshina clan swords and weaponry.
Highlights
- Cherry blossoms — 1,500 deep-pink Kohigan cherries in early April; 'Number One Blossoms Under Heaven'
- Takato Castle ruins park — honmaru, ninomaru, historic gates, and the iconic Ōun-bashi bridge
- Takato Town History Museum — Nishina, Takeda, and Hoshina clan swords, armor, and artifacts
- Ejima Kakomi Yashiki — reconstructed residence where Edo Castle courtesan Ejima was exiled
- River cliffs at Mibugawa confluence — the natural defenses that made Takato nearly impregnable
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.
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