The Home Castles of the Yamana, Lords of Eleven Provinces
The Castle Sites of the Yamana Clan, with the Sites of Konosumiyama Castle and Ariko-yama Castle (山名氏城跡／此隅山城跡／有子山城跡) is the castle sites of the Yamana clan in Izushi, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture: Konosumiyama Castle, their home seat in Tajima, and the later Ariko-yama Castle, designated a Historic Site in 1996.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs lists it under the criterion for castle ruins and other political sites.
The Agency explains that the Yamana were one of the four great houses of the Muromachi shogunate, holding the governorships of eleven provinces including Tajima, Inaba, Tanba and Mimasaka, and were known as the lords of one-sixth of the realm.
The Castles
According to the Agency, Konosumiyama Castle was the Yamana seat, said to have been built by Yamana Moroyoshi between 1372 and 1374. Numerous levelled enclosures cover the ridges radiating from the 140-metre summit. It fell in 1569 when Oda forces under Kinoshita Hideyoshi invaded Tajima.
Ariko-yama Castle was built around 1574 by Yamana Suketoyo on Mount Ariko, 321 metres high, 2.5 kilometres south of Konosumiyama and south of central Izushi; the name Ariko, "having children", is said to have been chosen to avoid the sound of Konosumi, "child thief". A main enclosure on the summit is followed by six stepped enclosures to the west and the Senjojiki enclosure to the southeast, with vertical ditches on the slopes.
What to Look For
The Agency notes that Ariko-yama shows well the transition from medieval to early modern castles, and that its fine summit stonework was probably built by one of the Oda or Toyotomi lords.
Toyooka City describes Ariko-yama as a great castle some 740 by 780 metres, with extensive stone walls of different periods; one theory credits them to the master builder Todo Takatora. In 2017 it was chosen, with Izushi Castle below, among the 100 More Fine Castles of Japan.
Visiting the Castle Sites of the Yamana Clan, with the Sites of Konosumiyama Castle and Ariko-yama Castle
Toyooka City notes that many people hike up Ariko-yama, and the view of Izushi from the main enclosure is fine. It is a mountain castle, so take care on the climb.
Enquiries go to Toyooka City.
Q&A
- When was the site designated?
- On 13 November 1996.
- Who were the Yamana?
- One of the four great houses of the Muromachi shogunate, governors of eleven provinces.
- How are the two castles related?
- Konosumiyama was the seat; Ariko-yama was built after it fell in 1569.
- Where does the name Ariko come from?
- It was chosen to avoid the sound of Konosumi, "child thief".
- Who built Ariko-yama's stone walls?
- An Oda or Toyotomi lord, according to the Agency; one theory names Todo Takatora.
Basic Information
| Name | Castle Sites of the Yamana Clan, with the Sites of Konosumiyama Castle and Ariko-yama Castle (山名氏城跡／此隅山城跡／有子山城跡) |
|---|---|
| Location | Izushi-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Designation | Historic Site |
| Year Designated | Designated 1996/11/13 (Heisei 8) |
| Quantity | 2 castle sites |
| Dimensions | Ariko-yama about 740 by 780 metres (Toyooka City) |
| Owner | Not recorded in the Agency for Cultural Affairs database |
| Public Access | Accessible by hiking trail |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Yamana Clan Castle Sites (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/401/1906
- Cultural Heritage Online: Yamana Clan Castle Sites (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/210750
- Toyooka City: Ariko-yama Castle Site (Japanese)
- https://www.city.toyooka.lg.jp/shisei/1027491/1027495/1029005.html
Last verified: 2026.09.28