Sakai

Sakai lies on the northern plain of Echizen, where roads approach the border of Kaga. After Oda Nobunaga's forces subdued the Ikkō uprising in Echizen, Shibata Katsutoyo built Maruoka Castle in 1576. Its position mattered during the fighting against the Ikkō forces of neighboring Kaga. In 1624 Maruoka became a separate domain under the Honda family, and its castle remained the center of local rule.