The vast Rokkaku mountain castle, largest in the Kinai — abandoned as Nobunaga marched on Kyoto, a prelude to Azuchi; one of Japan's 100 Fine Castles
Vast mountain castle of the Rokaku clan on Mt. Kinugasa — the largest mountain fortress in the Kinai region, flourishing from the Muromachi through Sengoku periods. Construction began around 1335 and at its height the castle held hundreds of enclosures. In 1568, Rokaku Yoshikata abandoned the castle without a fight against Oda Nobunaga, triggering his takeover of Omi. Designated a national histori…
Construction of Kannonji Castle is believed to have begun around 1335, when the Rokkaku clan, governors (shugo) of Omi Province, began building a fortification on Mount Kinugasa (432 m). Throughout the Muromachi period the castle was expanded into the largest mountain castle in the Kinai region, eve…
Hours
Hiking directly via the mountain trail is possible any time with no set hours. Access via Kannon-shoji Temple is limited to the temple's visiting hours (8:00 AM–5:00 PM).
Admission
Free to enter the castle ruins directly via the hiking trail. Access via Kannon-shoji Temple requires a separate admission fee (general ¥800, elementary/junior high ¥500).
As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.
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