Tsutsujigasaki Residence

Tsutsujigasaki Residence is a Sengoku period fortified residence site located in the Kokufu-cho area of Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. It served as the headquarters of the Takeda clan, the shugo (military governors) of Kai Province, and later became the political and military center during the Takeda clan's rule over the region. Today, the site is home to Takeda Shrine, and it has been designated a National Historic Site under the name Takeda Clan Residence Site, making it one of the most historically significant medieval castle sites in Yamanashi Prefecture.

The residence was constructed by Takeda Nobutora in the early 16th century and was later expanded by his son Takeda Shingen (Harunobu) and grandson Takeda Katsuyori. For approximately 60 years across three generations, the residence served as the political center of Kai Province, integrating administrative, military, and residential functions. Surrounding the residence were samurai residences and a town area, forming an early castle town that laid the foundation for the modern city of Kofu.

Although primarily a residential compound, Tsutsujigasaki Residence also featured defensive capabilities. The northern side was built against the mountains, with Mt. Yohki (Yōgaisan) situated behind it, functioning as a mountaintop backup fortress in times of emergency. The Fuji River and Ai River flanked the compound to the east and west, providing additional natural defense.

Today, the site is well preserved. At its center stands Takeda Shrine, dedicated to the deified Takeda Shingen, and it attracts many history enthusiasts and visitors every year. The site serves not only as a monument to the rise and fall of the Kai-Genji Takeda clan, but also as a rare example of a medieval political and military base as well as an early castle town, alongside the Katsunuma Residence in Koshu City.