SilkCode LibraryCastles of Japan
No. 024Kanto & KoshinetsuYamanashi

Takeda Clan Residence

武田氏館

Ruins & historic sites

This fortified residence served three generations of Takeda rulers: Nobutora, Shingen and Katsuyori. Around today’s Takeda Shrine, moats and banks recall government from a lowland residence rather than a summit castle.

The moat and a red bridge at the former Takeda residence
The moat and a red bridge at the former Takeda residencePhoto: 前田左衛門佐 · Public domain · Resized and converted to WebP. Cards crop the display.This photograph shows the site at the time it was taken. Check the notes and official sources for current restoration work and access.

Get to know the castle

Castle at a glance

Site & layout
Fortified residence of a Sengoku ruler
Origins
1519
Builders & patrons
Takeda Nobutora and his successors
Other names
Tsutsujigasaki Residence
What remains today
Moats and banks; now Takeda Shrine and surrounding historic areas

THE STORY

The story behind the walls

Takeda Nobutora founded the residence in 1519 as his base at Kofu. Shingen and Katsuyori continued to use it for government and residence. The buildings were later lost, and Takeda Shrine was founded here in 1919 to honour Shingen. Excavation and conservation have clarified the enclosures and entrances.

LAYOUT & ARCHITECTURE

Read the landscape and the buildings.

The residence was divided into several enclosures, protected by moats and banks. Shrine construction altered some areas, so the present grounds are not an unchanged Sengoku layout. Excavated entrances and masonry help reconstruct the earlier arrangement.

A CLOSER LOOK

Details worth a closer look.

01

Moats and banks

Moats and banks around the shrine preserve parts of the residence’s defences. Looking beyond the modern approach helps reveal old enclosure boundaries.

02

Seat of three generations

Nobutora’s residence was inherited by Shingen and Katsuyori. It represents continuity across a ruling family, not simply a place associated with one famous warrior.

03

Shingen Museum

The neighbouring museum explains the residence and its excavated objects. Displays provide context for the earthworks still visible outside.

THROUGH THE YEARS

A short timeline

  1. 1519

    Takeda Nobutora founded the residence.

  2. 16th century

    Shingen and Katsuyori also used the residence.

  3. 1919

    Takeda Shrine was founded.

BEFORE YOU GO

A note before you go.

Check shrine ceremonies and museum openings separately. Consult Kofu City and Takeda Shrine for current access and guiding arrangements.

Official visitor information ↗Find it on a map ↗

Information checked: 27 September 2026

Sources & official information

Some official sources are available in Japanese only.

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