Tajihi Sarukake Castle Ruins

Tajihi Sarugake Castle is where Motonari, who was 4 years old at the time, moved from Koriyama Castle in 1500 when his father Hiromoto retired. Motonari spent the next 23 years there until he inherited the main family at the age of 27 and returned to Koriyama Castle. It is located on a mountain overlooking the junction of the roads from Midori and Haji, and Koriyama Castle can be seen from the main castle, making it a defensive castle to the west of Koriyama Castle for the Mori clan. The northern part of the castle was the sphere of influence of the powerful Takahashi clan, so this was not just a retirement home, but an important base on the border. Traces of the castle are well preserved, and the huge moat on the southern side of the main castle is a must-see. There is a well-maintained hiking trail, but it is also steep, so caution is advised. At the foot of the mountain are the graves of Mori Hiromoto and his wife, and the grave of Sugi Daikata, who raised Motonari.