Gassan Toda
Castle

at SHIMANE YASUGI

Date of construction: Late 12th century *Various theories exist
Master of the castle: unknown
Remarks: The castle was abandoned in 1615.

Gassan Toda castle is an impregnable mountain castle with numerous Horikiri (trenches) and Kirigishi (defensive banks), where the Mouri clan attacked the Amago clan over a four-year period. It stretches over hills from Mt. Gassan, which is about 190 meters above sea level, to the Iinashi River, covering a total area of 700,000 square meters. Yoshiharu Horio entered the castle in 1600 before moving to Matsue Castle.

The best sightseeing routes

There were once three main routes into the castle tower, all of which converge at Sanchu Palace, where the castle lord's residence is presumed to have been located. After that, the route climbs up a steep, winding slope called Nanamagari. Stone walls remain in some parts.

Climbing a steep hill leads to the Sannomaru (outer part of the castle), where the castle town and, when the sky is clear, the Sea of Japan can be seen in the distance. Beyond the Sannomaru (outer part of the castle), between the Ninomaru (second bailey) and Honmaru (castle keep), there are moats to prevent the enemy from entering the castle. The surrounding cliffs provide a natural defensive position.

Highlights

・Statue of Shikanosuke Yamanaka

A vassal of the Amago clan, lords of the castle for about 100 years from the late 15th century, Shikanosuke Yamanaka attempted to rebuild the castle after the defeat by the Mouri clan, and was assassinated in Bicchu (Okayama Prefecture) in 1578. The statue stands in the castle.
・The castle town seen from the top of the mountain

View west from the Honmaru (winter)

View to the north from the Sannomaru (summer)
・Statue of Amago Tsunehisa

Born in Izumo Province, Amago Tsunehisa was a feudal lord who lead the Amago clan to its pinnacle of power.
He died in 1541 at the age of 82. The statue stands by the Iinashi River looking up at the castle.