Critical castle for Tokugawa

Turret like Museum

The other day, we visited the Yoshida castle (吉田城) in Toyohashi city (豊橋市). This castle isn't huge nor historically impressive. But, there's something special in the history of this castle. This castle isn't famous now, so, it will be shrouded in the darkness of history. We would not to be. Below, We'll describe how important this castle was.

The first story: Location

The history of the Yoshida castle is closely interacting with the history of Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康). Many incidents in his life were connected with the existence of this castle. At first, Tokugawa Ieyasu was born in the place called Okazaki (岡崎) as the son of the Okazaki castle's lord. After many twists and turns, he conquered the area around the Okazaki district. West of the Okazaki district was governed by Oda Nobunaga (織田信長) in the Owari (尾張) district. East of his district was controlled by Imagawa Ujizane (今川氏真) in the Sumpu (駿府) district. 

Around the north, there weren't typical ruler and several small scale Samurai Warriors were active in their small territories. And the point we would like to stress is the existence of the ruled area of strong Takeda Shingen (武田信玄). If say that again, Takeda Shingen was active in the further north of these Samurai Warriors' territories.
  
And one last direction, south of the Okazaki district was also controlled by many small scale Samurai clans. However, beyond that was the pacific ocean, so, there weren't enough space to widen his territory this direction. 

Tokugawa Ieyasu's strategy was clear. He allied with Oda Nobunaga and attacked other areas. At first, he attacked southern area of Okazaki and after that he targetted the clans in the east. The clans living in the north of Okazaki constantly feared that each strong powers north and south. If Tokugawa Ieyasu who lived in the south of them invaded their territories, they obeyed him. But after that, Takeda Shingen who had the ruling area in the north of them attacked their territories, they betrayed Tokugawa Ieyasu and obeyed Takeda Shingen. As for Tokugawa Ieyasu, he wanted the expansion of stable ruled area to the north, but betrayal after betrayal, he couldn't gain the stability in the north. 

These situation was continued a little long time, and when the power of the Imagawa clan turned down, he gained extensive effort in this direction. He invaded these areas and conquered the areas  up to the Hamanako lake. The Hamanako lake (浜名湖) is very huge and at that time it separated the Mikawa (三河) district and the Ensyu (遠州) district. So, he succeeded to unified the Mikawa district. 

The request from the ally was to continue the invasion and beat the Imagawa clan. He agreed with the request and went beyond the lake. He advanced into east of the lake. He chose Hamamatsu (浜松) and started to build a castle, his new front-line base instead of east of the lake where he could easily retreat in case of emergency. This decision would also be the answer of the request from Oda Nobunaga.

North of Hon-maru

The second story: Course of events

We'd like to summarize the course of events. The headquarters of Tokugawa Ieyasu was the Okazaki castle (岡崎城). Its location was the west end of his long-and-narrow-from-east-to-west territory. And the Hamamatsu castle (浜松城) where he himself advanced was the east end of dominating region. 

He had two strong points at the western edge (the castle lord was his son) and the eastern edge (he himself was the castle lord). However, there wasn't typical defense fortification in the center of his ruling area. And he had to remember the threat from the northern area. In the northern area, there weren't immediate threat. But once the Takeda clan started attack, many small scale domestic clans would betray him and strike his territory. 

There weren't many strategies for Tokugawa Ieyasu who was placed such a situation. He couldn't abandon the Okazaki castle. Then, he decided to enforce the Yoshida castle which was located around the center of his dominant area. For your information, Oda Nobunaga abandoned his headquarters several times when his territory was widen. His decision was quite drastic. On the contrary, Tokugawa Ieyasu couldn't decide such drastic decisions. In our opinion, Oda Nobunaga order such drastic decision to Tokugawa Ieyasu, but we don't know the truth. 
 
The Yoshida castle was chosen because of the access to each important castles, the Okazaki castle and the Hamamatsu castle. In the area around the Yoshida castle, there were many castles which had been around. So, Tokugawa Ieyasu would chose whichever he liked, he could renovate an existed small castle to a larger castle or he could build a brand-new castle. The Yoshida castle's location was suited for his request (accessibility), so, the renovation of this castle was chosen. One other reason was landscape of this castle. There was a immediate threat of the Takeda group, and he thought even if it happened this castle was available to prevent the invasion. 

Turret like Museum from other side

The third story: Renovation

In this course of events, the Yoshida castle was renovated by Sakai Tadatsugu (酒井忠次) who was the most powerful chief retainer of Tokugawa Ieyasu. As for Sakai Tadatsugu, he had many concerns. Because the most important strategic point for Tokugawa, the Hamamatsu castle was still constructing. So, he couldn't use his desired number of labors. He had to consider the number of people and the materials for the construction. On the other hand, if the strongest hypothetical enemy, Takeda came to attack the Yoshida castle, violence of attack would be beyond imagination.

The original Yoshida castle before Sakai Tadatsugu renovated would accommodate several hundreds. And expected scale of attack would be up to several hundreds soldiers. However, if Takeda's army came to, it would occur with high probability, they needed to accommodate at least several thousands to defend. So, the renovation was kind of larger.

And we would like to continue considering a little more, Sakai Tadatsugu guessed the possibility of the invasion larger than ten thousands troopers or not? Maybe he did consider, maybe he didn't consider. The truth is hidden in the shadows of history.

By the way, can Tokugawa Ieyasu or he, Sakai Tadatsugu defend this area from the fierce invasion of Takeda Shingen? Historically, the invasion was happened. And according to somebody's internet article, over ten thousands troopers sieged this castle. 

One article describes that the invasion happened in 1571. Takeda Shingen and his armies advanced into around the Yoshida castle. He intended to cut the line of supply between the Okazaki castle and the Hamamatsu castle. 

Another article describes the invasion a little differently. It was happened in 1574 and Takeda's army was led by Takeda Katsuyori (武田勝頼; Shingen's sun). Shingen died of desiese.

The details of the battle was below. Sakai Tadanasa removed to the branch castle of the Yoshida castle. And he and his army battled with the advance troops of Takeda's army. During the battle, Tokugawa Ieyasu led his 5000 troops and they entered the Yoshida castle. In this battle, Sakai's army was heavily damaged and around 500 people died. Additionally, Tokugawa's was also tortured and around 2000 people died. However, they entered the Yoshida castle.By the result of the battle, Takeda's army avoided long time siege and they moved back north.
     
We would like to examine which opinion was true? If the battle happened in 1571, why the battle wasn't explained the relation with the famous 'Mikatagahara-no-tatakai (三方ヶ原の戦い) ' battle happened in 1573. And also, if it happened in 1574, why they didn't mention the famous 'Nagashino-no-tatakai (長篠の戦い)' battle in 1575. We think the battle at the Yoshida castle wasn't so big scale. In any case, the battle at the Yoshida castle wasn't fatal. So, these famous battles progressed without the relation with the Yoshida castle.

However, if the Yoshida castle was captured by Takeda's army, the Okazaki castle and the Hamamatsu castle were separated. Then, the incident would cause corrosion of Tokugawa's. And it would be more serious. Because it might lead to the destruction of Tokugawa. So, this castle was very important. In other words, it was the critical castle for Tokugawa's army.

Landscape model of the Hon-maru area

Present days…

We visited the remain of the Yoshida castle. If you visit there, you can appreciate Hon-maru area (本丸 ;the center circle of the castle) and other area. Old times castles were composed of several enclosed areas...If you want to know more, please visit the article, 'The Sumpu castle' 

The building is only a historic museum outside is like a turret at that time. This turret's like museum is also like the main tower of this castle. So, the whole atmosphere is exactly like a remain of the castle of samurai period. However, at the San-no-maru (三の丸 ;the third circle of the castle), very massive Toyohashi city hall is located. So, the main tower's like museum looks a little small size, it's a pity.

Actually, we don't have the key to solving the mystery what's like the Yoshida castle at Sakai Tadatsugu days. There weren't any drawings at that time. This castle was widely renovated by Ikeda Terumasa who had become this castle's owner. Remains, such as layout of the whole castle area, stone walls were made at Ikeda Terumasa days. Furthermore, written informations were drawn after that time.

We think if you know the circumstances when Ikeda Terumasa came to this castle, you will understand some difficult situation. And you may somehow agree with the reason why these information were missing. In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) became the ruler of Japan and Tokugawa Ieyasu became the top retainer of him. And also he was ordered to change his dominant territory from the Mikawa district to the Edo district. Then many Toyotomi's samurai warriors for a long time were given dominant territories in the Mikawa district.

As for Ikeda Terumasa, he was given the Yoshida castle and wide dominant territory around this castle. So, he started renovation of the castle. He wanted to reconstruct the castle fit for his given huge power. 

The stone walls around Hon-maru were made during or after the Ikeda Terumasa's day. There is no information before the Ikeda Terumasa's day, for example, whether stone walls were there or not is not clear. However, the layout was same, which was intended to defend the center area, Hon-maru with wide river in the north of Hon-maru. And, to defend with several enclosed areas such as Nino-maru, Sanno-maru other directions.

And, we think there was the difference between Sakai's and Ikeda's. When Sakai Tadamasa renovated this castle, it was thought that enemy came from north-east. So, he strengthened the north-east district with branch castles. And Ikeda Terumasa's enemy was thought Tokugawa Ieyasu who was having dominant territory in the Edo district. If Tokugawa Ieyasu attacked this castle, his army would come from south. So, he made many defensive devices in the south of this castle. We suppose this point is the most important difference. We don't know other things.

 

Stone wall reconstruction site

        
Mending stone walls in the site…

The Hon-maru area was surrounded by stone walls and the landform was square. And, it seems like there were turrets all four corners. Why we can say that, a landscape model of the Hon-maru is exhibited in the museum. 

The remained stone walls around the Hon-maru area are starting to collapse. Because the preservation of these remains were not enough. The new situation of the inbound of foreign tourists caused the city clerk's mind change. They decided to call in the foreign tourists by maintenance of attracting facility, the Yoshida castle. The maintenance over several years was planned. And reconstruction of a stone wall near the main gate area of the Hon-maru was finished last year.

 
When we visited, a stone wall in the north of the Hon-maru was being reconstructed. The stone wall was beside the stairs to the river side. So, we couldn't wall down to the riverside walk. But it's a surprise for us. It's the first time to look at the craftsmen who have the skill to build old time stone walls. 

Only from the scene of reconstruction, we can't gain any information. So, we searched it on YouTube and found a video describes the research results of the reconstruction. By this video, the stone wall reconstructed last year was already reconstructed several times. The stone wall was planned and firstly constructed by Ikeda Terumasa. But the stone wall collapsed was reconstructed by some castle lord (unidentified at the time). Other evidence would be needed, but by the researcher who is explaining the reconstruction was held several times in the Edo period.

It would be maniac to visit the Yoshida castle in Toyohashi city. But if you are historical geek, worth trying.

Climbing up Gifu castle

The other day, we climbed the Gifu castle. This castle is a mountain castle located in Gifu city. Usually, mountain castles locate in plain and secluded places. However, it was not plain and secluded but flashy and in the limelight in the Japanese history. What does that mean? If we give an example, it was very famous as the headquarters of Oda Nobunaga before he captured Kyoto city. At first, we'd like to inspect why this Gifu castle was in the limelight all through the Sengoku period.

In the first place, mountain castles had been made for the purpose of hiding places. Because lords usually lived in the flat land at that time. And, in the case of emergency such as attacked by enemies, they made quick hide into the mountain castles and fought back against them. The Gifu castle was considered one of such kind of castles.

Oda Nobunaga and his previous castle lord, the Saito clan didn't consider such like this. In their brains, the purpose of this mountain castle was changed from the hideout to the symbol of the ruling. Because the castle site was in the center of an extensive plain and the plain positioned in a strategically important area. And, if they made buildings at the top of the mountain, many people could come to look at the symbol of their ruling.  

This mountain castle is located at the top of the Kinkazan mountain. So, as we already mentioned, the main castle tower is watchable from all around the plain surrounding this mountain. The fact that the tall mountain such like the Kinkazan (329m) standing in the center of the flat land (13m) consisting the downtown of Gifu city is rare. 

By the way, in the Gifu area, there were many castles in flat land and mountain castles in the mountains surrounding this area. These castles weren't ideal to be the castle where the ruler lived. Because castles in the flat land weren't easy to find. People should approach closely if you wanted to see them. And mountain castles in the surrounding mountains of the Gifu plain were also same. These castles' existence couldn't show their dignity to the people who lived there.  

The target of this article is not to praise Oda Nobunaga and his previous castle lord because of their excellent sense to select their castle. But to praise this mountain castle itself. Especially its difficulty of access. In other words, it's difficult to approach the top of the castle on our foot. Furthermore, that might be difficult to live there and attack and capture this castle. 

For the previous lords of Oda Nobunaga, the role of their castles was to hideout into from the attack of the enemies. And also to endure the attack. So, they didn't make their castles on the assumption that they lived their daily lives. Oda Nobunaga supposedly came up with the idea to live on the top of the mountain castle. And we can't suppose what the residences at the top were like from the records left behind. 

We think it's too difficult to climb up and climb down to the top of the mountain oftentimes. Because we experienced climbing to the top by foot. Based on our experience, we doubt the historic fact that Oda Nobunaga lived at the top several years.  

After the relocation of Oda Nobunaga, several lords renovated the main castle tower on the top of the mountain. Famous one was the Ikeda Terumasa's built in 1585. Ikeda Terumasa was also famous that he renovated the Himeji castle and made very beautiful main castle tower of the Himeji castle. So, people suppose the Gifu castle's main tower was also beautiful like the Himeji castle's. And from this imagination, the reconstructed main castle tower was made like current appearance. There is no solid evidence of the appearance of the main castle tower of the Gifu castle. 

The beginning of the Edo period (1603-1867), this castle was dismantled. Then, all buildings in the Kinkazan mountain were removed somewhere. According to an uncertain story, the main tower's wooden parts were used as another castle's main tower. And the main tower's drawing was remained. And the reconstructed main castle tower (1956) was made by reinforced concrete and the exterior was decided referencing the drawing. 

The mountain's top is not wide enough. Not so wide land was created and scattered in several places. For example, the main castle tower, storage, residences and so on. Speaking of current buildings, the reconstructed main tower, a small museum, an eating house, the squirrel-village house are scattered there. These buildings are connected by narrow paths of stone pavement. Quite a lot difference in hight, we notice. It's really difficult to visit one building to another.

What we'd like to deliver is about trails of the mountain. The difference in the height from the foot to the top is over 300 meters. This over 300 meters difference avoid smooth access from the foot to the top. Furthermore, the mountain is quite massive and has a very wide range. Visiting the top on foot is quite an effort. 

These trails are maintained as hiking paths now. And the number in this mountain area is 10. Furthermore, the trails having relationships with the Gifu castle are maybe 5. One of the paths is from another side foot, so, 4 paths are mentioned in the paper we handed over at the entrance of the castle.

A: The Nanamagari-do （七曲道）

It connects from the western foot building to the top of the mountain. Once it was the major climbing route of the people who belonged to the castle. At first, the road goes south in a flat area. And from the south entrance, the trail begins to climb. It will take about 60 minutes to the top, according to the information from someone's HP.

There was a stable for horses at the top, and horses lived there might climb this trail. We haven't experienced this trail, so, it's difficult to tell the expression. According to the previous HP, the route is well maintained and it's easy to climb.    

B: The Hyakumagari-do（百曲道）

We chose this route regrettably. It also connects from the western foot building to the top of the mountain. It begins to climb from south-west of the mountain. According to the paper we got at the entrance, it seemed a long way. So, we led to poor judgement. Quite many places are rocky paths. However, It will take about 40 minutes to the top, according to the previous HP. It was difficult for us.

Additionally, the HP tells us this trail was used to a suprise attack in the Sengoku era's real battle. And the trail was too steep to move riding horses. (You could've told us earlier.)   

C: North route

It also connects from the western foot building to the top of the mountain. It begins to climb from north-west of the mountain. According to the HP, it's the second gentle route and it will take about 70 minutes to the top. North of the castle is the wide Nagara river, so, you can look down and view the scenery of it.

D: Shortcut route

It also connects from the western foot building to the top of the mountain. It begins to climb from the behind of the western foot building. The length of the route is the shortest, but it's too steep to climb quickly. It will take about 40 minutes to the top. And you should skip to climb down this route. It was supposed to be considered as a byway at that time.

🙊🙊 To tell the truth, there is a ropeway to the top. Almost all use it. It's not necessary to climb on foot. However, you may not notice the difficulty that we discovered by this struggling.

Virtual tour to Ozu castle

As much as we'd like to introduce new places we've visited, however, the circumstances caused by a coronavirus epidemic recently avoid our conducts. Then we happen to try introducing new places from information of the YouTube images and others. We're afraid that heat, coldness, fragrance would not be described, if we didn't visit there.

It's worth trying any action. 

Let's go to a virtual tour to the Ozu castle.

First of all, what routes we can choose when we visit? 

Osaka is the center of the Kansai district, so there are many route selections from by air to by ferry. We selected means of transportation by train and by bus.

When you choose a train system, the most convenient way is using a Shinkansen. From Shin-osaka station to Okayama station you can ride a Shinkansen train. And you transfer to an express train bound for Matsuyama station in Ehime prefecture. Furthermore, you should transfer one more time to another express bound for Iyo-ozu station (the destination). This time you use 3 routes and the travel time is approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes.

If you hope cheaper way, Express buses will be nominated for the candidates. You transfer to Sannomiya in the Kobe city by train or by bus first. Then you ride an express bus to Uwajima city in Ehime prefecture. There are only 2 buses a day, daytime and night. It takes approximately 6 hours. As additional information according to recent situation, all express buses will be temporally suspended.  

The Ozu city where the Ozu castle is located has around 42000 citizens. It is an ordinary small rural city in Ehime prefecture. Its tourist spot is only the Ozu castle, we can't find another attractive destination. 

This is the first attempt from here.

We recommend YouTube video named "Ehime Voyage Japon Chateau d'Ozu". The length is 12 minutes 22 seconds. The exact title is "Ehime Voyage Japon Chateau d'Ozu 1（大洲城）～大洲城編～愛媛旅".

We think you should use words "Ehime Voyage Japon" when you copy and paste. Then, you may find several "Ehime Voyage Japon" video series and search and select "大洲城". It will be the correct one.

The used languages are Japanese and probably Spanish, and we can't understand what they are saying in this video without Japanese. However, they visit the inside of the castle actually and talk about several highlights. So, we think we can feel the atmosphere of this tourist facility. 

In this video, a Japanese reporter and a guide originally from foreign country visit the Ozu castle. We can find that most of the castle site have changed into a town. The video begins with a scene of their looking at an old private house. And according to the conversation they chatting, this private house was renovated into a hotel recently.

As for us, this is the first time to look at the inside of the castle area. Architecture is only the main tower and 2 corner towers, and these are connected with each other. And also the stone walls are partly surviving at riverside. We expect too much of the preservation, so all in all we are disappointed in this castle a little.   

We find another video featuring the Ozu castle.

This YouTube video's name is "Ozu Caste -Ehime- 大洲城 - 4K Ultra HD". The length is 7 minutes 28 seconds. This is also interesting.

The history of this castle

Ozu district was quite important for local people at the old time. There were several highways around this district, and these routes intersected there. And the Utsunomiya clan became a leader of this area in the late Kamakura period, approximately 700 years ago. They made a residential castle, the Ozu castle there.

During the Sengoku period, approximately 450 years ago, this area was the target of the Mouri clan's army and the Chosokabe clan's. (The Mouri clan ruled almost the Cyugoku district, on the other hand, the Chosokabe ruled southern area of the Sikoku island.)

Then the Kobayakawa clan who was a relative of the Mouri clan destroyed all of the rural lords included the Utsunomiya clan approximately 435 years ago. For the new conqueror, this castle was not big enough for his residential castle, so he made another castle in another region.

The main castle tower

This present-day appearance was designed by Todo Takatora, one of famous Sengoku Warriors and the Lord of this castle during 1595 to 1609. He is said that good at designing castles and he planed many castles in his life. There are several castles he involved around Japan.

Soutou-gata building method or the layer tower type caslte-tower building method was invented by him. And this castle's main tower was the first appearance of his invention. Before his Soutou-gata, main towers were made by complicated building style, and these buildings needed long construction time. His invention made the construction time shortened dramatically. This Ozu castle is said that his representative example.

As described above, the Ozu castle is a historically important castle, however, its main tower was demolished at approximately 130 years ago. 2 corner towers are remained, but the castle without the main tower isn't attractive for many people. Based on such situation, the main tower was reconstructed in 2004. (2 corner towers are original, which reconstructed during the Edo period (approximately 160 years ago) and are registered as important national assets.)  

For this new project, the building method wasn't reinforced concrete method but traditional wooden method. Because local people hoped to use the traditional method. And this decision was outrageous but wonderful, for Japanese building standard law didn't allow this kind of application before this building. There was a narrow way which required to certificate using special research and study. City authorities and the construction company tried to submit the application and passed the examination. Seems like the way was quite hard.

The first reconstructed main castle tower by the traditional wooden method was built at the Kakegawa castle site in 1994. However, its application was ambiguous. The construction company submitted the building application using a broad interpretation and was accepted their method. On the other hand, this Ozu castle construction team tried 'frontal breakthrough'. 

Amazing!

Like the original main tower had established innovative building method, this reconstructed main tower brought about innovation. 

Additional information

This castle has the only feature. 

You can stay the night. The accommodation fee is amazing price and 1 million yen for 2 adults per 1 night. (The guests payed this amount can enjoy many attractions by themselves like the Lord of this castle.)

Why is it possible?

Because the construction date makes it possible. Newly made building can use as a hotel, however, historical buildings are usually banned to accommodate.

If you are interested in this information, please check below.

'CASTLE STAY'

Revisit Nagoya castle 

Points we paid attention when we revisited the Nagoya castle are,

1. The Hon-maru palace (reconstruction completed)
2. Survived 3 corner towers.
3. How is the progress of the main tower's reconstruction? 

The Hon-maru palace completed 

The Hon-maru palace reconstruction work finished in June 2018 and whole area is opened now. We described this facility 'residence', however, on a scale of this magnitude, we changed the word to 'palace'.  

As of the last visit, we've only seen the first half of the palace. In addition to that, we didn't have enough information about the use of many rooms. This time the facility is fully opened, so, guide boards will give us full information about our questions. However, even the timing of full completion, some room can't identify the purpose. We believe we can explain in a more unified way, and some parts will overlap, we kindly ask for your understanding. 

We would like to start our description with the history of this Hon-maru palace. Its large-scale renovation work was conducted 20 years after the completion of the first Hon-maru palace. And the Hon-maru palace we are looking around now is same as the palace that renovated 20 years after. What are differences, between the first palace, the renovated one 20 years after the first appearance and others in later periods?

The first palace was used for the living of the Load and Load's family. Additionally, politics and several governmental ceremonies were held here.

The first palace and inside the Hon-maru

At the timing of the renovation 20 years after the first appearance, the war between the Tokugawa family and the Toyotomi family was over. The ruler was changed to the Tokugawa family. And the Toyotomi family was destroyed. When the first palace was built, the Lord made his palace in the very center of the Nagoya castle for the protection. However, 20 years gave him another choice. 

He made a wider palace in the Nino-maru, next to Hon-maru where was quite spacious and suitable for more comfortable living place. The new palace was called the Nino-maru palace. And the Hon-maru palace renovated into the accommodation for the Shogun (the ruler at that time). So, it was changed from a living facility to a hotel of the Shogun.   

The Hon-maru palace reconstructed

Other changes were mostly minor. The biggest of them was the material change of the roof. The roof of this building was made of 'Kokera', sliced Japanese cedar boards first. And it was changed into 'Kawara', Japanese roofing tiles. The reason was quite serious. 

The roofs of the high-rank buildings were to be made of 'Kokera' according to the method of the traditional building grading in Japan. Of course, the Lord's palace and the accommodation for the Shogun were made with the Kokera roof. 

These buildings survived 100 years, 200 years or more because there was no danger of war during the Edo period. However, wooden roofs soon weathered, and every 30 years, people had to replace the Kokera roofs. In the timing it was made, the owner had enough wealth, however, the maintenance cost became a burden. Furthermore, the Kokera roofs were quite burnable, so, the Lord's retainers were busy to avoid fire accidents. That was supposed to be the reason for the renovation.  

The Hon-maru palace had these various stages. Then, why this facility we are looking around now was made by the plan of the renovation 20 years after the first appearance? We don't know the exact reason, however, we suppose it was the heyday of this palace.

   
The first palace was made for the first Lord who was one of the sons of Tokugawa Ieyasu (being to be the next ruler). So, it was made quite gorgeous suitable for his important position. The entrance, the Omote-shoin or rooms of the main hall, the Taimenjo or rooms of the reception hall, these 3 areas were made then. They were made tremendously gorgeous, so, these parts were used in the next renovated buildings.  

The immediate reason of the renovation was the 2 days stay of the third Shogun (Tokugawa Iemitsu). He visited Kyoto then, and he stayed in the Nagoya castle when he went to the city (when he went back to Edo, he stayed another accommodation). 

At that time, every Shogun visited Kyoto at least once in his lifetime. So, the accommodation in the Nagoya castle would be used when other Shoguns visited there. However, in the next Shogun's era, the power balance between Shogun and the Emperor was changed and the visit ceremony was cancelled. 

Next visit of Shogun was the 14th visited 1day when he came back from Osaka to Edo. After the Edo period, the Emperor became the ruler and the Nagoya castle was belonging to him. The Emperor's family used this accommodation several times. 

All in all, this accommodation was used for only 3 days in the Edo period which lasted approximately 250 years. The retainers of the Nagoya castle worked every day for someone might stay but not for this long time. When we hear this story, we became sad because of the diligence reflecting Japanese national-character. 

Now, we are going to describe inside of the palace again. This palace was made like a shape of flying wild goose, in Japanese, it's called 'Ganko (雁行)' style floor plan. However, this word is an architectural terminology, so, we hope you feel something special is behind this facility's floor plan. If someone builds a building with the Ganko style floor plan, the site for the building needs very wide. So, this floor plan is extravagant. 

In the first Hon-maru palace, the Taimenjo was the deepest room and the most gorgeous area. In the renovated palace, the area called the Jorakuden hall was expanded next to the Taimenjo. So, the Taimenjo changed like one of areas from the entrance to the Jorakuden. 

In this accommodation, there was many gorgeous room. Even the first palace, it was the palace for the rich Lord, so, the interior was quite flashy. If we compare the interior with one of survived palace, the Kakegawa castle Nino-maru palace, the difference is painfully obvious. 

If you want to review the Kakegawa castle article, please crick "Kakegawa castle".

In addition, the Yudono shoin or bathroom and break room area is next to the Jorakuden hall. At that time, people didn't use the bathroom and only some rich people used Yudono or kind of saunas. However, it dose not seem like a luxury space, wide bathtub with beautiful outdoor scenery is the luxury bathing space for us.

3 corner towers

Once there were 11 corner towers in the original castle. It is said that even though the territory is quite large compared with other castles', the score of 11 corner towers is very small. If we research the numbers of other castles', we will count more large score in every castle. 

The reason of this castle's corner towers' small number was according to the genius landscape planning. This castle's landscape was made with the combination of square compounds and rectangle compounds. On the contrary, other castles' were made using many irregular shapes. We think this castle's was geometric and strategical in the timing of the construction.

By the way, among these 11 corner towers, 3 are still survived. All 3 towers are three stories and same size as the usual castles main towers. They are registered as the important national asset. 

During our last visit, we couldn't enter any corner towers. However, because of the closure of the main tower, one of 3 corner towers seems to be opening alternatively. When and which information will be found in the official homepage of the Nagoya castle, please refer to it. 

The southeast corner tower: 

It is located at the southeast corner of the Hon-maru compound. 

The location is also the right-hand side of the main gate of the Hon-maru. 

The southwest corner tower:

Its location is the southwest corner of the Hon-maru.

Also connecting with the south stone embankment covering the Hon-maru palace.

The northwest corner tower:

It is in the Ofuke compound which is located at the northwest of the Hon-maru.

It is sticking out the wide outer moat.

The current state of the plan of the main tower reconstruction with wooden structures 

The information we heard when we visited this castle mentioned the reconstruction would be started soon and it would be completed in around 2022. However, the construction work is not started. Furthermore, the information when the construction work will be started and will be completed seems not to be declared publicly.   

If you want to review the Nagoya castle article (first time) , please crick "Nagoya castle". 

The reason seems to be the discovery of the severe damage in the stone basement. The damage seems to be so terrible that it can't bear the reconstruction work. Surface of the stone base was badly burned when the original wooden structure collapsed. Now, investigating by our eyes, we find countless hair cracks. We afraid some stone will collapse at any minute. 

If you can remember our previous article, the reconstructed main tower of SRC has 28 meters long RC basement inside the natural stone basement. And the weight of the massive main tower is covered by the SRC basement. The natural stone basement is not covering any weight now. This precondition is still true, the cause of the stone's damage seems to be the natural condition such as rain and wind but the weight of the superstructure. 

We mentioned that the wooden structures for the new building may be specially treated. If our misgiving was true, the new main tower would be a kind of cyborg. Having wooden surface, structures such as pillars and beams have incredible strength...It would be an imaginary nightmare. However, this new problem may bring us another nightmare. If the stone basement was truly damaged not to stand the natural environment, someone might suggest covering on the surface of the stone structures.   

We love castles, so, we hope every castles survive forever. However, we are against the special treatment. RC basement, ground improvement reinforcement, resin injection and so on. Looking overseas, there are many castles made of wood and stone. How much original these castles? We are going to investigate in the future.

Matsusaka castle 

The entrance

The Matsusaka castle is a Japanese castle made in Matsusaka city, Mie prefecture in the Sengoku period. Wooden structures were not survived. Its area was roughly 500 meters to 800 meters at that time, however, almost all except the central hill area was redeveloped to an urban area. The central hill area is roughly 250 meters to 300 meters. There are still many stone walls survived.

This castle, as a sightseeing place, is not so famous, compared with major Japanese castles such as the Himeji castle, the Osaka castle and so on. 
However, it was very important castle when it was constructed. And the location of it was deeply affected.

Its history

Matsusaka city is located in the middle of Mie prefecture. And Mie prefecture is roughly the center of whole Japan. A little south of this city, one of the very important shrines, Ise shrine is located. Ise shrine has been the central facility of the Shinto religion, and this area was supposed as important district in the old days in Japan. So, powerful regional ruler was positioned in this region.

Though the period when Samurai became to rule Japan started, the importance was not changed. More specifically, the Kitabatake clan who based at the Tamaru castle which was close to the Ise shrine ruled this region during the Muromachi period. He was registered as the Shugo, which was high government post for regional rulers. In the Sengoku period, political power of the center began to fade, however, the Kitabatake clan still had real military ability around his territory.

In 1569, Oda Nobunaga in Owari district attacked the Kitabatake clan, and beat them. He made one of his sons, Nobukatsu succeed to the top of the Kitabatake clan. So, Nobukatsu became the ruler of the Tamaru castle. He thought the castle was too close to the Ise shrine, so he made another castle, the Matsugashima castle in Matsusaka city. In the story described so far, Matsusaka castle didn't appear yet, but the location, Matsusaka city appeared. 

It means this location, Matsusaka city was important in the main stream of politics of whole Japan in the Sengoku period.

Then the end of the Sengoku period came. Oda Nobunaga was murdered, and Toyotomi Hideyoshi became the next ruler of whole Japan. After this incident, Oda Nobukatsu came into conflict with Hideyoshi. A battle between Nobukatsu and Hideyoshi happened, and ended with Nobukatsu's defeat. Nobukatsu 

offered a settlement and Hideyoshi accepted his proposal. In this way he was forced to move his territory to an unimportant and small region. 

Gamou Ujisato

Here comes a new name, Gamou Ujisato, one of famous Sengoku warriors. He came in the Matsugashima castle and became the next regional ruler of this castle. Because he had performed good military exploits during the former battle. 

After the entry into this castle, he noticed its weakness. It was too close to a coastline, and it wasn't so much strong against invaders. Then he made the new castle, the Matsusaka castle in an inland area. 

He was forced to transfer to Tohoku district soon after the completion of this castle. And another Sengoku Warrior came to it after him. There is a fact that a compound where has the name after the next castle owner's son is in the Matsusaka castle. So, we suppose the completion was extended until the days of the new castle owner. However, city authorities want to use the name, Gamou Ujisato persistently. They advertise this Matsusaka castle was planned, and, was completed by Gamou Ujisato. 

What was in the castle area?

If someone asks you what are parts of Japanese castles, you may imagine the main tower, stone walls, moats, earthen walls, turrets and so on. However, there is no item except stone walls in this castle. The reason is hidden in its history. After Gamou Ujisato's presence, the situation was dramatically changed. The thing is, no battle was happened around there from the transfer of Gamou Ujisato until the end of the feudal period.

Furthermore, there was no castle owner after the beginning of the Edo period. It was owned by the ruler of the Wakayama castle in Kisyu district (today's Wakayama prefecture). Then there were only administration officers lived and worked in this castle. As a result, partial damages of the main tower, turrets and earthen walls were not recovered. And when the main tower was burned, new main tower was not made.

Original area (red line remained area)

When comparing the Matsusaka castle and other castles, the latters remain many records. In contrast, we suppose there are very few records in the Matsusaka castle. That is a reason why there aren't any wooden structures of the castle. There are suppositions, however, no building was planned to reconstruct now.