Takatenjin Castle Transformed and Remodeled to Create an Expansive Two-Dimensional Space
The fortified Takatenjin Castle, enhanced under Katsuyori’s supervision, retained the characteristics of an early and simplistic mountain castle. The East peak, protected by sheer cliffs on the eastern side and fortified only by earthworks and several moats, joined the Honmaru (main enclosure), Tenjin bailey and Nino bailey linearly like stairs. However, the newly constructed West peak, was designed with skillful arrangements of multiple Umadashi (small bailey) and moats, creating a vast and multidimensional space.
Specifically, the west Tamba bailey was incorporated a combination of well and horse ground, while the Ninomaru (secondary enclosure) was connected to the Do-no-o and Seiro bailey. The west side featured a passage called Inubashiri that traversed the entire West peak, enabling flexible movement. Although the buildings were likely modest wooden residences or row houses, it can be said that the fortress represented the epitome of Takeda-style castle construction techniques. To the east, similar to the East peak, the area was guarded by sheer cliffs, with the only passage connecting to the eastern peak being the bailey of well.
In 1578, Katsuyori is recorded to have entered Takatenjin Castle with 8,500 soldiers for the purpose of supplying provisions (“Enshu Takatenjin Gunki”). With its capacity to accommodate such large forces, Takatenjin Castle truly stood as an impregnable mountain fortress.
On the other hand, Tokugawa Ieyasu, in his efforts against Takeda Katsuyori, made preparations to recapture Takatenjin Castle.
Immediately after the victory at Nagashino, Ieyasu swiftly regained Suwahara Castle and Futamata Castle. The following year, he captured Inui Castle, further boosting the morale of his troops, and engaged in several small-scale battles with the Takeda garrison at Takatenjin Castle. Simultaneously, he initiated a full-scale campaign to conquer Takatenjin Castle.
In addition to the existing Mabushizuka Fort, Tokugawa built Yokosuka Castle in 1578. Furthermore, between the following two years, he constructed six forts known as Ogasayama Fort, Nakamurayama Fort, Shishigahana Fort, Higamine Fort, Mitsuyama Fort, and Nogasaka Fort.
These forts, collectively referred to as the ” Six Forts of Takatenjin”, were equipped with wide and deep moats, tall earthwoks, and multiple layers of fences and palisades, forming a large-scale encirclement capable of completely isolating and starving out Takatenjin Castle.
(To be continued in the next part)
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