Yano Castle Ruins (prefectural historic site)

The castle was built in the early Nanboku-cho period by Kumagai Rengaku, who ruled over part of Miiri Manor (Miiri Shinjo). After overthrowing the Kamakura shogunate, Emperor Godaigo implemented a government centered on the nobles, which left the samurai who had participated in the overthrow of the shogunate dissatisfied, and in 1335 (the second year of the Kenmu era), Ashikaga Takauji led a rebellion against the new government. In response to his invitation, powerful clans such as the Mori, Yoshikawa, and Kumagai gathered under the Takeda clan, the guardian of Aki Province, and prepared to move eastward. In response, Kumagai Rengaku sided with the nobles and built Yano Castle, where he fought fierce battles with the Takeda side. Rengaku built the castle in Yano because the area was a manor with close ties to Emperor Godaigo and was close to the Sanyo Road.