Sagiyama Castle

Sagiyama Castle is a fortified site on Mount Kinka featuring stone foundations and archaeological remains that show traditional Japanese defense construction. The location includes several stone platforms and reconstructed structures that outline where buildings once stood.

Nikaido Yukimasa founded the original structure, while the Saito clan later expanded it significantly under Saito Dosan's direction. These expansions made the location a major defensive stronghold in the region.

The grounds display artifacts and documents showing how samurai organized their daily tasks and defensive strategies during feudal times. You can see weapons, armor, and household items that reveal how people actually lived on the mountain.

You can reach the castle site via the Mount Kinka Ropeway or by following marked hiking trails up the mountain. The ascent is manageable in various weather conditions, but sturdy footwear and moderate fitness help make the visit more comfortable.

The elevated location gave defenders clear sightlines across the Nagara River valley to spot threats from distance. This strategic position made the mountain a preferred spot for successive fortifications over many generations.