This is a natural chokepoint for traffic on the Hokuriku Kaidō, the ancient highway connecting Echizen Province with Kyoto.

The origins of the castle are uncertain, but there is a local legend that was first fortified in the late Heian period by Minamoto no Yorichika (966-1057).

During the early Nanboku-chō period, the Uryū clan was loyal to Emperor Go-Daigo, and the castle became the main stronghold of the Southern Court in Echizen Province.

The site was excavated from 1975 to 1980, revealing the remnants of moats, earthen ramparts and the foundations for a large building, along with numerous pottery shards.

The site is open to the public as a park with several hiking courses maintained by the Minamiechizen town government.