Gifu Castle

Gifu Castle, formerly known as Inabayama Castle, was once the residence of the warlord Saito Dosan during the Sengoku period. The castle gained significant notoriety when the extraordinary figure Oda Nobunaga conquered it in August of the 10th year of Eiroku (1567) (some sources say the 7th year), subsequently unifying the region and renaming the area from "Inokuchi" to "Gifu," establishing it as the base for his quest for national unification.

The current castle was reconstructed in July of Showa 31 (1956) by the Gifu Castle Reconstruction Promotion Alliance. The castle features a museum displaying historical materials, and the upper floors serve as an observation deck, making it a popular spot for many visitors. Furthermore, the area surrounding Mount Kinka was designated as a National Historic Site as "Gifu Castle Ruins" in 2011 (Heisei 23).

Gifu Castle ranks among the highest castles in Japan, situated at an elevation of 329 meters. From the top floor, one can see the crystal-clear Nagara River, famous for its cormorant fishing, flowing through the city below. To the east, the majestic Ena Mountain and Kiso Ontake Mountain can be seen, while to the north lie the Norikura and Northern Alps. The Ibuki, Yoro, and Suzuka mountain ranges stretch to the west, and to the south, the expansive Nobi Plain unfolds, with the Kiso River gracefully flowing into Ise Bay.

The Gifu Castle ruins consist of a castle structure on the mountaintop and a residence at the foothills, connected by a path leading up the mountain. Fortresses were strategically placed along this path, and the mountain itself served as a natural stronghold. The historical value of the Gifu Castle ruins can be summarized in three main points:

▸ It was a castle that served as the base for Oda Nobunaga's quest for national unification. The Azuchi Castle built by Nobunaga after Gifu Castle is considered a starting point for modern castle architecture, but Gifu Castle ruins exhibit various architectural techniques, such as the use of large stone walls, that hint at the innovations leading into the modern era. Thus, Gifu Castle stands as an important site during the transition from the medieval to the early modern period in Japanese history.

▸ Detailed records left by Portuguese missionaries such as Luis Frois have survived. Visitors like Luis Frois and Yamashina Tokitsugu came to Gifu Castle, and their accounts shed light on the castle's structure. This unique documentation allows for comparisons between the historical narratives and the archaeological remains.

▸ There are valuable garden ruins that are acknowledged within the history of Japanese gardens. At the site of Nobunaga's residence on the foothills, not only are there large stone arrangements, but the natural topography is skillfully integrated to emphasize the overall aesthetic. Additionally, the garden pond structure found in the innermost area shows similarities to the gardens of Higashiyama-dono (now Ginkaku-ji) in Kyoto, suggesting an effort to inherit the traditions and authority of the shoguns.

▸ Preservation and utilization plan for the Gifu Castle ruins. Before the castle was built by Saito Dosan, Mount Kinka (Inabayama) was known as a scenic spot referenced in poems and a sacred mountain closely related to worship at Inaba Shrine. This connection is believed to have contributed to the establishment of the castle. Thus, it can be argued that the castle was constructed on this uniquely significant mountain due to its rich natural attributes and historical significance. Even after its decline, the site of Gifu Castle has been repurposed for various uses, such as a hunting ground for the Owari clan and later became a recreational area alongside Gifu Park. Hence, Mount Kinka holds not just castle ruins but also values related to nature, faith, scenery, and public parks.

In December of 2021 (Reiwa 3), Gifu City formulated the "Preservation and Utilization Plan for the Gifu Castle Ruins," considering the historical transitions and complex values of Mount Kinka. We aim to work with local residents to continue preserving and making use of the treasures that are the Gifu Castle ruins (Mount Kinka) for future generations.