*Ichijōdani was the stronghold of five generations of the Asakura clan. The wellpreserved ruins of this Sengoku period city showcase a restored medieval town, offering a glimpse into the urban landscape of that era.*

The first head of the clan was Asakura Takakage. When we consider Asakura Takakage, who established his base at Ichijōdani, as the first generation, Asakura Yoshikage, who led to the clan’s downfall, was the fifth generation. Asakura Takakage was known for often seizing estates from noble families and temples. According to the diary of a nobleman, he was labeled as "the origin of all evil in the land."

Little is known about the early life of the last head of the clan, Asakura Yoshikage. It is believed he was born when Takakage was 41 years old. At the age of 16, Yoshikage became the head of the Asakura clan following his father’s death. Due to his young age, he was assisted by Asakura Sōteki, the eighth son of the first head, Asakura Takakage. Sōteki served as a key advisor and effectively managed the political and military affairs of the clan during the tenures of Sadakage (the third head), the fourth head Takakage, and Yoshikage. He was, in reality, the true leader of the clan. Sōteki passed away when Yoshikage was 23 years old, after which Yoshikage took full control of the clan.

Asakura Yoshikage was defeated by the Oda forces at the Battle of Anegawa and again in subsequent battles. In the end, Ichijōdani was burned down by the Oda army, marking the downfall of the Asakura clan, the Sengoku daimyō of Echizen.

0:00 Today's Castle
1:21 Ichijōdani, the castle town of the Asakura clan
2:59 About Asakura Takakage
4:31 Who was Asakura Yoshikage?
5:51 Why was Asakura Yoshikage held in such high regard?
6:55 Asakura Yoshikage and Central Politics
10:36 The Fall of the Asakura Clan
21:23 Next Castle Tour

*Location:* 2837 Kidonouchichō, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
*Access:* (1) From JR Fukui Station, take the Keifuku Bus bound for Jōkyōji Temple and get off at "Fukugen Machinami." It’s a short walk from there.
(2) 10 minutes by car from the Hokuriku Expressway Fukui IC
*Parking:* Available

The previous castle tour was at Kitashō Castle.
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Here's a video about Tōnosan Castle, which served as a base for the AzaiAsakura forces during Oda Nobunaga’s invasion of Ōmi.
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This video covers the ruins of Nakajima Castle, where the Azai forces took a stand to defend Odani Castle.
   • 【歴史じっくり紀行】OSHIRO vol 34　中島城　滋賀県長浜市にある...  

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