Japan's Top 100 Castles No. 52 Kannonji Castle (Shiga)

End of June 2025
I went to Kannonji Castle in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture!

※Introduction※
This NOTE is written casually as a personal record by an author with shallow historical knowledge. Please view the information as a reference only.

1. Historical Background

Kannonji Castle is known as the residence of the Sasaki-Rokkaku clan. It is named after Kannonshoji Temple, which is located in the center of the castle ruins. Although the year of construction is unknown, the castle, which makes extensive use of stone walls, is a massive mountain castle that was more advanced for the Sengoku period than Azuchi Castle. When attacked by Oda Nobunaga in 1568, the father and son Rokkaku Yoshikata and Yoshiharu fled without a fight, leading to their easy downfall. Since Oda Nobunaga visited this site, it is said that the total stone walls of Azuchi Castle may have been modeled after Kannonji Castle.
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2. Overview of the Castle

Built on Mt. Kinugasa at an altitude of 433m, the castle grounds extend from the summit to almost the entire southern slope. It is one of the five great mountain castles of Japan, and its scale is said to be second only to Nanao Castle. The castle gates have a simple structure, and there are no vertical moats, so it lacks defensive power. Therefore, it can be called a castle in development, but there are stone piles remaining that can only be seen because it was undeveloped.

【General Highlights】
※Finally, I will look back on the places I personally liked
・The staggered gate (kuichigai-koguchi) of the main enclosure
・Hiraiguruwa South Gate
・Stone walls at the southwest corner of Hiraiguruwa
・Joro-iwa (Courtesan Rock) and the Great Stone Wall
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3. Visiting the Castle

On this day, I went to Azuchi Castle and then headed to Kannonji Castle.
It is about a 15-minute drive from Azuchi Castle.

You can see the positions of Kannonji Castle and Azuchi Castle.
Kannonji Castle: Center right top Azuchi Castle: Center left at the foot of the mountain

I drove along a narrow forest road where I was nervous about whether an oncoming car would appear. I paid the fee at the gate and arrived at the parking lot. It was around 10:30 on a Saturday, and there was one car ahead of me.

【Route】
Parking lot → Kannonshoji Temple → Main enclosure ruins → Hiraiguruwa → Ikedaguruwa → Joro-iwa/Great Stone Wall → Kannonshoji Temple → Parking lot

▼ The parking lot is located along the red road that extends below Kannonshoji Temple.

I will climb the stone steps on the right for about 10-15 minutes. Let's go!

When you arrive at Kannonshoji Temple, a dignified Nio statue welcomes you!

A dog was rolling around. I think it would be cooler if it moved just one step into the shade...
The sign in the back says something like 'Caution: I love towels and handkerchiefs and won't let go once I grab them.' So cute.

I think I'll take a look around the grounds a bit more...

!!!??!?

A cat is stuck in a stone lantern!!!!
I wonder if it's cool in there??? So cute~~~ I debated using this as the thumbnail...

I had a quick look around Kannonsho-ji Temple.
Since it's after visiting Azuchi Castle and I have more energy and time than I expected, I think I'll go explore the castle ruins too.

I went without any preparation, so I missed quite a bit, but the weather was nice and I had fun!!

First, the Honmaru (main bailey) ruins!!!

I've arrived at the Hirai-maru South Gate, said to be one of the largest in the castle!!!

I made it!!! The Great Stone Wall is amazing!!!!!!

Joro-iwa (Courtesan Rock) and giant boulders are scattered all around.

I'm glad I got to see this view!! With that, I'm heading back.

I think this is just a random pile of stones, but maybe visitors stacked them up?

With this, I'm descending Kannonji Castle!
It was a castle that showed remnants of having been entirely stone-walled in various places.

The average person might wonder what's fun about this, but considering it was a precursor to Azuchi Castle, it was a castle tour that made me feel the transition of the era.

If I ever visit this area again, I'd like to go to the Goto Residence as well. Looking at photos, it seems like you can get a better sense of the stone wall construction at the Goto Residence.

4. Asides and Extras

[Aside]
After this, I'm going to Hachimanyama Castle, one of the Continued 100 Fine Castles. You can take a ropeway to the summit, but you'll be exhausted by the time you get there, so I don't recommend packing too much into one day. lol

Omi has so many mountain castles~~~

[Extra (Pikmin)]

5. Access and Stamp Information

[Car]
30 minutes from Meishin Ryuo IC
Paid parking available
▶ Kannonshoji Omotesando Parking Lot: about 10 spaces
There is a forest road; pay the parking fee at the gate.
・ Kannonshoji Urasando Mountain Top Parking Lot

[Train]
90-minute walk from JR Azuchi Station

[Stamp]
▶ Inside Kannonshoji Temple
・ Azuchi Castle Museum
・ Kuwazumidera Temple
・ Ishidera Rakuichi Hall

[Kannonshoji Temple Visiting Hours]
Business hours: 8:00 - 17:00 (Gate closes at 16:30)
Admission fee: 500 yen for adults
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Summary

[Castle Information]
Mountain castle (433m above sea level)
Builder: Sasaki Rokkaku clan
Main castle lord: Sasaki Rokkaku clan

[Highlights]
・ Honmaru (Main Bailey) staggered gate (kuichigai-koguchi)
・ Hiraimaru South gate
・ Stone walls at the southwest corner of Hiraimaru
・ Joro-iwa (Courtesan Rock) and the Great Stone Wall

[Personal Favorites]
・ Hiraimaru South gate
・ Joro-iwa, the Great Stone Wall, and the view from there

[Required Time]
About 90 minutes round trip from the parking lot
I'm exhausted...

[Clothing]
Since it is a mountain castle, be well prepared.
In summer, it is recommended to wear clothes that do not expose your skin and to bring insect repellent.

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Thank you for reading.
Following and liking would be encouraging♪
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