更新日：2021年1月1日

The greatest defeat of Ieyasu’s life: The Battle of Mikatagahara

Conflict between the Tokugawa clan and Takeda clan

Starting in 1571, Takeda Shingen repeatedly invaded the provinces of Totomi and Mikawa, deteriorating his relationship with Tokugawa Ieyasu. In 1572, Takeda Shingen departed from Kofu and divided his army into two corps before advancing upon Totomi. Some of the local lords of Totomi even joined the Takeda clan. Following fierce battles, Futamata Castle and other Tokugawa territories were captured by the Takeda clan. Indeed, the Takeda clan controlled nearly all Totomi, except for Hamamatsu Castle and the surrounding area.

Takeda Army’s path of invasion to Totomi

The Battle of Mikatagahara

After successfully capturing Futamata Castle, Takeda Shingen’s forces advanced towards Hamamatsu Castle on December 22, 1572, putting pressure on the Tokugawa forces. The Tokugawa army set out from Hamamatsu Castle, and on the way from Oiwake to Hodazaka, they encountered the Takeda army and engaged in a pitched battle. This was the Battle of Mikatagahara. Faced with the overwhelming forces of the Takeda army, the Tokugawa army was thoroughly routed, and so Ieyasu retreated to Hamamatsu Castle. It is said that the Takeda forces pursued him and set up camp near the cliffs of Saigagake, but many of them fell to their injury or death in the valley below when they were raided in the night by the Tokugawa forces.

Mikatagahara Battlefield Monument