Shiga Odani Castle Ruin Trip

I would like to inform Odani castle climbing trip.
Odani castle was a Azai Nagamasa's Castle, is famous for death place of Oichi-no
-Kata, who is a sister of Nobunaga Oda.
Azai Nagamasa was a Feudal lord of north Shiga, at a Warring States period.

Go to Nagahama for eating lunch.
I eat Curry of Ohmi beef, and Croquette of Ohmi beef.
Croquette is delicious.

Go to Kawake station.
At Kawake station, community bus is available to ride for Odani castle ruin.
In front of this station, Statue of Azai Nagamasa and Oichi-no-Kata.

Odani castle is a mountain castle about 500m height.

Foot of Odani mountain, War history museum is existing.
This museum shows Azai clan's history, Anegawa war, Azai Nagamasa's family.

Odani castle is top area of Odani mountain.
This mountain is steep, March 8 is a snow falling day, there is 20cm snow covering of the road.

In front of museum, this is a starting point of Castle climbing.

First to enter Ote-road, 20 minutes walking, I arrive at Magara-Toge Pass.
Take a short break.

Next point is observatory.
You can see a wide view of Nagahama city.

Next is a Kingomaru ruin, that was a small castle.

Then arrive at Bansho, that was a gate of castle.
Car road is reaching to this Bansho.

This place shows a wonderful view of Lake Biwa and Chikubu island.

Next is Chaya-ruin, that was a base point of castle army.

Around this mountain, bear and Antelope are living, please care bear.
Next is Umaya-ruin, that is a army horse house.

5minutes walk, arrive at Kubisue-stone, that was Exposure of Traitor.

Next is Akao-House, that was a Vassal's house.

Soon arriving at Azai Vassal's grave.

Over this grave, big field is seen.
This is a Ohiroma-ruin.

Over this field, climb stone wall, I arrive at Honmaru.
About 50 minutes walking from start.
This Honmaru is not big.

After Honmaru, government house, Nakamaru, Kyogokumaru, Komaru are seen.

Then arrive at Sannoumaru, that is a north gate house.

After Sannoumaru, downhill is starting.
This downhill is little bit danger.
Please take care.

Next is Rokubou ruin, that was 6 temples are gathered place.

Climbing 30minutes, I arrive at Oduku castle ruin.
This is a top of Odani mountain. From strating, 90 minutes climbing.


This area has many trees, so we can not see a wide view.
Lots of snows are falling, it is cold.
I take a rest.

Descending from top of mountain needs only 1 hour.

Foot of Odani mountain, I buy Oden at convenient shop.
I take a rest, eating hot Oden.
Community bus is not many.
So, I walk to Kawake station, about 20 minutes.


This Odani castle climbing has a long distance, steep road, snow falling.
When early spring, climbing Odani castle needs mountain climbing wear and shoes.

After spring to autumn, this is a best season for climbing Odani castle.

That's it.