Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins

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Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins

In the castle town that flourished during the Warring States period, feel its prosperity of those days.

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During the Warring States period, the Asakura clan ruled the Echizen domain for five generations over a 103-year period. During the reign of the fifth Yoshikage, who excelled not only as a feudal lord but also as a man of culture, the Ichijodani culture flourished. In the battle to unify the country, however, he formed an alliance with the Asai clan and clashed with the Oda and Tokugawa forces, but was severely defeated. Yoshikage committed suicide, and Oda Nobunaga burned the town down, bringing the Asakura clan's glory to an end in 1573.

The legends of the Asakura clan's glory had been passed down from generation to generation, but the true state of the castle town had not been fully understood. In 1967, full-scale excavation began and it was discovered that the remains of the castle town were buried in a well-preserved state. The ruins of a series of buildings and gardens were excavated one after the other in the mountains spanning 278 hectares, revealing the shape of the castle town back then.

The Ichijodani Valley area is dotted with numerous historic sites that tell the story of that period, including the ruins of Nishiyama Koshoji Temple, where numerous stone statues and pagodas remain, and Ichijo Waterfall, which is known as the training ground for Sasaki Kojiro, the rival of Miyamoto Musashi. There are four gardens designated as special places of scenic beauty, and 2,343 out of 1.7 million items excavated from the ruins have been designated as important cultural properties. The "Restoration Town" within the ruins is an almost complete reproduction of the prosperous castle town. The rows of samurai residences and townhouses transport visitors back to the Warring States period.

Highlights

  • Free bus tours of the ruins' major tourist attractions are available on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays from April to November.
  • There are free bicycle and wheelchair rentals available. Please contact the restored townscape office for more information.
  • Free guided tours by volunteers are available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April to November.
  • In the restored townscape, you can enjoy matcha green tea and sweets.
  • Visitors can rent a tablet and take a virtual tour of the Warring States Period.

Photos

  • At its peak, this castle town housed more than 10,000 people.

    At its peak, this castle town housed more than 10,000 people.

  • Karamon, the Asakura clan’s symbol that was rebuilt during the Edo period.

    Karamon, the Asakura clan’s symbol that was rebuilt during the Edo period.

  • Street restored to its original appearance using excavated artifacts.

    Street restored to its original appearance using excavated artifacts.

  • Special Places of Scenic Beauty, Suwa Yakata Garden Ruin

    Special Places of Scenic Beauty, Suwa Yakata Garden Ruin

  • Life in those days is recreated in the restored townscape.

    Life in those days is recreated in the restored townscape.

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Details

Name in Japanese
一乗谷朝倉氏遺跡
Postal Code
910-2153
Address
28-37 Kidonouchicho, Fukui City, Fukui
Telephone
0776-41-2330
Closed
Open every day (The restored townscape is closed from Dec. 28 to Jan. 4)
Hours
Free admission (The restored townscape opens 9:00am to 5:00pm, last entry at 4:30pm)
Admission
330 yen for the restored townscape
Directions
Take the Keifuku Bus from JR Fukui Station and get off at “Fukugen-Machinami” bus stop.
Official Website
Official Website (English)