Order

This Islands features the sites of numerous former forts
that protected the order of the maritime routes.

The Murakami Kaizoku first appeared in the historical record in the Nanboku-cho period. During this time, they grew from a small force which protected passing ships to a major power that controlled the entire Geiyo Islands. This was made possible by the strong fellowship between three houses which together called themselves the Murakami Family. Each family built seaside forts on different islands in the chain, with the Innoshima Island Murakami family controlling routes on the Honshu side, the Noshima Island Murakami family controlling the shortest maritime routes through the center, and the Kurushima family controlling the sea lanes on the Shikoku side of the island chain. This strategic deployment of forts at chokepoints on the sea lanes allowed them not only to be ready for sea battles, but enabled them to control East-West trade by turning the Seto Inland Sea into a maritime gateway.

Must see attractions

The site of Amasaki Fort

The original fort occupied the entire island here.
It was rebuilt as a more modern fort after the Murakami Kaizoku left.

Mushi (Tsutomu) fort site and
Nakato (Chuto) fort site

These sea forts were built in the center and east side of the Kurushima Strait
to control it.
They were abandoned in 1585. *It is not open to the public. Please observe it from a distance.

The site of Kurushima Fort

This sea fort was situated at the main point along the Kurushima Strait.
Signs from the passage of countless ships can be found on the rocky shores.

Kominato Castle Remnants and Jokeiji Temple

The remnants of a castle built by the Murakami pirates on a hill facing the Kurushima Strait.

It is said that, following the battle of Sekigahara, Todo Takatora considered this to be an important connecting castle in a strategic location.

Jokeiji Temple is also located nearby and is believed to have been favored by the Kurushima Murakami clan.

The site of Kokubusan Fort

This fort was built on Kokubusan Mountain by the Murakamis of Noshima.
It was their land base until the construction of Imabari Castle.

The site of Keshima Fort

This sea fort was protected by a vassal of the Murakami Kaizoku.
The entire island was used as a small fort. *It is not open to the public. Please observe it from a distance.

The site of Aoki Fort

This site is located at the top of the hill overlooking the bay on Innoshima Island.
The fort served as the main base for the Murakamis of Innoshima Island.

The site of Aokage Fort

This mountain fort served as a hub between nearby sea forts.
Located at the top of Aokageyama Mountain on Innoshima Island,
it provides a view of the entire island.

The site of Nagasaki Fort

This was the first base of the Murakamis on Innoshima Island.
Post holes can still be observed on the rocky shore.
This was an important fort for monitoring the sea lane.

The site of Yosaki Fort

This fort was built on Mukaishima Island,
received in compensation for the Battle of Itsukushima.
The fort boundary and ship cove can still be observed. *It is not open to the public. Please observe it from a distance.

The site of Tawarasaki Fort

This fort was built by the Ikuchi family,
another family active as part of the force of the Geiyo Islands together
with the three Murakami families.

The site of Narutakiyama Fort

This fort was run by the chief retainer of the Murakamis of Innoshima Island who had the role of leveraging the Onomichi shipping capabilities for the pirates’ trade business.

The site of Momoshima Chausuyama Fort

This sea fort was located at the top of Chausuyama Mountain on Momoshima Island.
It occupied an important position at the key point along the Sanyo side sea lane.

The site of Okajima Fort

This sea fort was built on Mukaishima Island.
Once home to a great pirate, it was taken in battle by the Murakami Kaizoku. *It is not open to the public. Please observe it from a distance.