Kasama Castle is classified as a mountain castle, and is located in Ibaraki Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Hitachi Province. It is associated with the Kasama, Makino clans. Dates in use: 1219 - 1871.

All but forgotten since the castle was decommissioned in the early Meiji period, it seems the ruins of Kasama castle will finally be getting some attention. The local government announced in March, 2011 that a large-scale survey would be undertaken of the site. A budget of ¥5,740,000 has been allocated. There are exceedingly few examples of Mountain castles with stonework remaining in the Kantō region, hence the interest.

Fortifications were established atop Mt. Sashiro during the Kamakura period and continued to be in use for over 600 years. Little remains of the castle except for some stonework, one relocated turret & two relocated gates.

Timeline

1219	The first fortifications were built by this year.
1235	Construction of the castle was completed.
1590	Toyotomi Hideyoshi's armies destroyed the Utsunomiya clan & their retainers, the Kasama clan, who where lords of the castle. The Tamanyu clan were given control of the castle.
1598	The Gamō clan were transferred here. They renovated & expanded the castle.
1747	The Makino clan were transferred here. Nine generations resided here until the end of the castle's life.
1871	The castle was abandoned.
1873	Most buildings were demolished.
1880	The Hachiman Turret was relocated to the Shinjōji temple.
2011	It was announced that a large-scale study would be undertaken of the castle ruins.

Historical recognition

Site	National Historic Site
Gate	City designated Important Cultural Property