The town stood on the side of Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple in Ishiyama War to fight against Nobunaga ODA, and developed into a fortified city with a moat, earthworks, diagonally crossed roads to hinder the view, etc.
石山合戦の際には、石山本願寺について織田信長に反抗、環濠や土塁、見通しを妨げる筋違いの道路等を築いて城塞都市となった。