Database: Kashiwara Castle: Iga's Last Stand

Kashiwara Castle was a seigneurial manor in the province of Iga. Constructed from wood and benefiting from the local topography it clearly differed from the architecture used by the great lords in Kyoto. Furthermore, it was not associated with the classic image of Japanese castles from the 16th and 17th centuries, Azuchi being an example.

It included three main edifices, the main building, an annex, and a warehouse. The entire complex was also surrounded by a ditch. It resembled a fortified farm rather than a proper castle. Kashiwara Castle notably served as the final bastion of Iga during one of the most devastating wars in the province. This 1581 event remains a stark example of the power of Nobunaga's army. The army faced resistance from the people of Iga, including the jizamurai and peasants; however, the result was still the complete destruction of the local autonomous organization of the province.