Japan Castle Atlas

Sakuma Morimasa

佐久間盛政

One of Shibata Katsuie's boldest generals, known by the title Genba-no-jo. Local tradition says Genbao Castle is named after him.

Years: 1554–1583

Tradition

Story

The name Genbao does not appear in records of the time; it is a name handed down in Tone, Tsuruga, said to honor Morimasa. A rice-pounding song from Tone's autumn festival still sings of "Lord Genbao."

Connected castles

In-depth article

Tsuruga, Fukui

Genbao Castle

玄蕃尾城

Shibata Katsuie made this his headquarters for the Battle of Shizugatake and left without fighting here, so the earthen castle survives on a border ridge much as it was in 1583.

Next 100 Fine Castles No. 137CastleMountain

TR15336300101CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

said to be the source of the castle's nameRecord source: article

The reconstructed stone walls, gates and turret around the main bailey of Torigoe Castle (September 2016), before parts were damaged by the 2022 heavy rain and the 2024 earthquake.

In-depth article

Hakusan, Ishikawa

Torigoe Castle

鳥越城

The mountain stronghold where the Kaga Ikko-ikki, the uprising whose province was said to be "ruled by farmers," held out against Oda Nobunaga's army to the very end.

Next 100 Fine Castles No. 138CastleMountain

松葉浩弘CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Oda general who crushed the uprisingRecord source: article