The Residence and Castles of a Medieval Hida Clan
The Ema Clan Castle and Residence Sites (江馬氏城館跡／下館跡／高原諏訪城跡／傘松城跡／土城跡／寺林城跡／政元城跡／洞城跡／石神城跡) is the residence and castle sites of the medieval Ema clan in Kamioka-cho, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture: the Shimodate residence, the main castle at Takahara Suwa and a ring of branch castles, designated a Historic Site in 1980.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs lists it under the criterion for castle ruins and other political sites; the designated area was enlarged in 2024.
The Agency explains that the Ema were a medieval clan based in Yoshiki District, northern Hida, first recorded in 1372 in the Yamashina family documents.
The Sites
According to the Agency, Shimodate was the clan's seat, with the main castle, Takahara Suwa, on the ridge behind it to the east, and branch castles to the north, west and southeast.
Excavation in 1974, ahead of land improvement works, found building sites, earth ramparts, moats and garden remains at Shimodate. The poet-monk Banri Shukyu, who visited in 1489 and was entertained by the Ema, probably stayed here.
Takahara Suwa Castle occupies a peak bounded by rivers and steep slopes on the ridge behind the residence, shaped with ramparts, terraces and cross-ridge and vertical ditches.
What to Look For
The residence and the mountain castles guarding it survive together, showing how a medieval regional clan organised its base.
Hida City notes that the residence site is laid out as a historic park with a restored Muromachi garden and buildings, and that it is the only place in Gifu Prefecture designated both a Historic Site and a Place of Scenic Beauty.
Visiting the Ema Clan Castle and Residence Sites
Hida City says the residence site is a historic park. For the mountain castles, check the city's castle guides.
Enquiries: Hida City culture section, 0577-73-7496.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Gifu
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Ema Clan Castle and Residence Sites
- [ Shirakawago & Takayama Old Town Tours ]
Q&A
- When was the site designated?
- In 1980; the area was enlarged in 2024.
- Who were the Ema?
- A medieval clan based in Yoshiki District, northern Hida.
- What does the site include?
- The Shimodate residence, the main castle at Takahara Suwa and branch castles.
- What was found at Shimodate?
- Building sites, ramparts, moats and garden remains.
- Can the residence be visited?
- Yes, it is a historic park, according to Hida City.
Basic Information
| Name | Ema Clan Castle and Residence Sites (江馬氏城館跡／下館跡／高原諏訪城跡／傘松城跡／土城跡／寺林城跡／政元城跡／洞城跡／石神城跡) |
|---|---|
| Location | Kamioka-cho, Hida City, Gifu Prefecture |
| Designation | Historic Site |
| Year Designated | Designated 1980/3/21 (Showa 55); enlarged 2024 |
| Quantity | Residence site and 8 castle sites |
| Dimensions | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Owner | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Public Access | Residence site laid out as a historic park |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Ema Clan Castle and Residence Sites (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/401/1289
- Cultural Heritage Online: Ema Clan Castle and Residence Sites (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/205443
- Hida City: Ema Residence Project (Japanese)
- https://www.city.hida.gifu.jp/site/castleruins/67321.html
Last verified: 2026.09.28