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Siege of Ishiyama Hongan-ji

Type Event Region Asia Time 1570

In 1570 Oda Nobunaga began a large-scale siege of Ishiyama Hongan-ji in Osaka against the Ikko-ikki, marking the start of his long war with religious…

Timeline

  1. 1568–1570Kinai · Kinki regionAfter entering the capital, Nobunaga moved to control temple and shrine powers, deepening his conflict with the Hongan-ji branch of the Ikko sect, which possessed a vast network of followers and military strength. Around 1570 relations broke down, and Nobunaga resolved to destroy Ishiyama Hongan-ji, this religious-military center, by force.
  2. 1570Ishiyama Hongan-ji · Osaka CityOda forces built fortifications and blockade lines around Ishiyama Hongan-ji in Osaka, beginning a prolonged siege. Hongan-ji's followers resisted stubbornly from behind strong fortifications and naval support, seeking aid from the Mōri, nearby daimyo, and overseas (Portuguese) sources.
  3. 1570–1571Along Osaka Bay · Osaka PrefectureAfter the siege began in 1570, both sides fell into a war of attrition. Mōri naval forces supplied Hongan-ji, while Nobunaga divided his forces to fight on multiple fronts in Echigo, Omi, Kai, and elsewhere. Ishiyama Hongan-ji became the greatest obstacle to Nobunaga's unification until Kenyō withdrew from Osaka in 1580.

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