Hoshizaki Castle

Hoshizaki Castle is a Japanese castle ruin in Motohoshizaki-cho, Minami-ku district of Nagoya, with stone foundations and earthen embankments marking where multiple defensive enclosures once stood. The site preserves traces of the former inner citadel, secondary, and outer compounds through remaining stones and ground formations.

The Yamaguchi family controlled the fortress across multiple generations until Yamaguchi Shigemasa decided to abandon it in 1588. This abandonment reflected broader shifts in regional power structures during a period of political transformation in Japan.

The nearby Hoshimiya Shrine served as a place of worship for the local community while also functioning as a landmark for maritime travelers. This dual purpose shows how structures in the region were designed to meet both spiritual and practical community needs.

The Meitetsu railroad line runs through the former castle grounds, with Moto Hoshizaki Station providing convenient access to the site. Visitors should expect that the grounds are now part of an urban area, so exploring the historical remains takes patience and attention to detail.

A stone memorial marks the original castle location, while the Kasadera school now occupies a portion of the historical grounds. This blend of commemoration and contemporary use shows how the site has been integrated into modern city life.