Type: Hilltop castle
Built in: 15th century by Honjo clan.
Class: Ruins

Murakami Castle, a.k.a. Maizuru Castle or Honjo Castle, was one of hilltop castles located in Murakami, Niitaga. It is located on the top of Mt. Gagyu that is about 135m. Murakami castle is registered as national historical site.

There is no historical record that tells the exact year of the construction of this castle. The historian said it was built in early 16th century by Honjo clan. In 1568, the castle lord, Honjo Shigenaga betrayed Uesugi Kenshin. Kenshin attacked this castle but it kept for a year. Finally, Kenshin gave up and they made a peace agreement.

In 1598, Honjo clan moved to Aizu and Murakami Yorikatsu, the samurai of Hori Hideharu became the castle lord. By 1619, current structure of the castle was complete.

It was abandoned in 1870.


-Ote route and 7 corners-

-Yotsumon gate-

-2nd bailey-

-Main Bailey-

-Koguchi route-

-Vatical dry moat-