A treasured historic site from the Sengoku Era which has received three national accolades
Ichijōdani Asakura Family Historic Ruins, which spreads out over a quiet mountainous area, is a place that was once under control for 103 years by the Sengoku Era Asakura clan. At its height, the area once had a population of over 10,000 residents, booming with an opulent culture. However with its losses during a civil war, it was defeated and burned down in flames. Afterwards in 1967, an archaeological investigation was launched and over a long period of time, the town, the buildings of the clan leader, residences for warriors and merchants, the garden, townhouses, roads and other facilities were unearthed almost in their entirety. Currently, the ruins have earned three national accolades in the form of a Special Historic Site, a Special Place of Scenic Beauty for the 4 gardens and an Important Cultural Property recognition for the ruins and excavated articles. The ruins stand alongside Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji Temple and Hiroshima’s Itsukushima Shrine with its triple recognition and within the nation, they are preserved as a valuable historic site.
Walk through the sites where you can truly feel the Sengoku Era
You can tour through Ichijōdani Asakura Family Historic Ruins in the middle of nature and enjoy a walk through time to the Sengoku Era.
The karamon gate
The large gabled karamon gate with its dignified appearance stands out in the midst of tranquil mountain scenery. However, this was not a creation of the Sengoku Era but a structure built in the early Edo Era which was donated by the Toyotomi family to be dismantled, transferred and then rebuilt.
The gardens
There are 4 gardens which were built during the Sengoku Era. Among them, the Yudono-ato Garden is the oldest, possessed of a magnificent attractiveness expressing the character of the era with features including a rough arrangement of stones using numerous massive rocks. In addition, Suwa Yakata-ato Garden is an expansive garden surrounding a pond which can be appreciated for features like dynamic scenery contributed by huge rocks about 4m high.
A restored townscape
Using excavated stone walls and cornerstones and based on data and excavated articles, the samurai residences, townhouses of ordinary citizens and other structures of the townscape have been restored to near completion. Within the town, you can try on the costumes from the Sengoku Era as well as take those photos with the restored townscape in the background.