Hiyama

Hiyama lies on the Sea of Japan side of southern Ezo. At Kaminokuni, the hilltop fortress of Katsuyama overlooked the mouth of the Amanogawa and the maritime routes beyond. Built around 1473 by Takeda Nobuhiro, an ancestor of the Matsumae rulers, it served as a center of politics and northern trade. Graves nearby include both Buddhist burials and those following Ainu customs. The Hiyama guard post remained at Kaminokuni until its transfer to Esashi in 1678.