Sunomata Ichiya Castle

Sunomata Ichiya Castle stands at the confluence of the Sai and Nagara rivers in Ogaki, Gifu Prefecture, earning its distinctive name from the legend that it was constructed in a single night. The castle was built in 1566 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, then known as Kinoshita Tokichiro and serving as a minor retainer to the powerful warlord Oda Nobunaga, during preparations for the siege of Inabayama Castle. While the "overnight" construction is legendary, historical evidence suggests Hideyoshi cleverly pre-assembled defensive structures and revealed them quickly, taking two to three days to complete the basic fortifications.

The castle holds significant historical importance as Hideyoshi's first castle construction, marking an early chapter in the career of the man who would eventually unify Japan. The actual existence of the castle was confirmed in 1977 through the discovery of the "Maeno Family Document" in an old family home in Konan City, Aichi Prefecture. The current structure, reconstructed in modern times, serves as the Ogaki City Sunomata Historical Resource Center and functions as a museum dedicated to the castle's history and Hideyoshi's rise to power.

Visitors can explore the castle tower and museum exhibits detailing Hideyoshi's life story and the conflict between Nobunaga and the Saito clan. The top floor observation deck offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including views toward Gifu Castle on clear days. The castle grounds along the Sai River are particularly popular during cherry blossom season from late March to mid-April, when the riverbanks transform into scenic spots lined with blooming sakura trees.

The castle charges ¥200 admission for adults, while entry is free for visitors under 18 years old. Free parking is available on-site. Access from JR Ogaki Station requires taking the Meihan-Kintetsu Bus bound for Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University from platform 2, disembarking at the Sunomata stop, followed by a 12-minute walk to the castle. Ogaki Station is approximately 30 minutes from Nagoya Station on the JR Tokaido Line.