Samurai residence

Samurai governed Japan during the Sengoku period and the Edo period. Then, what kind of residences they lived in? We find the remains which might be one of the palaces of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the most famous Sengoku Lords. This residence was relocated from Kyoto to Yokohama. We visited Yokohama and investigated with our own eyes. 



Part of Rinshunkaku residence

The Sankei-en garden

The place is the Sankei-en garden. And it's a Japanese landscape style garden. In this garden, 17 historical remains are scattered in the large estate. These were relocated in a place full of nature and in harmony with the garden. We want to introduce a famous residence made by the Sukiya style and it's called 'Rinshunkaku.' This residence consists of connected 3 Sukiya style buildings and these are like 3 flying goose and very beautiful. We call this Gankou-gata pattern or lined flying goose pattern.

At the beginning, this building was made in Osaka city, and which was owned by a wealthy merchant. And the owner of this garden bought it, and brought from Osaka to this garden in Yokohama. However, there is no information who made it. According to a book about the Sankeien garden, there is an another story. When it was firstly made it was a residence of a Lord who governed Wakayama area (where was called 'Kishu' in an expression of the Edo era). Then this residence was made a grant towards a Samurai family, and they sold it to a wealthy merchant, then several merchants resold.

Finally, owner of the Sankei-en garden bought. And when he dismantled and reconstructed it, he changed several elements especially roof to express a more elegant appearance.

We punctuate this residence because we can get knowledge about residences of the Edo era. And aren't interested in the stories which tells who made, who bought, who replaced. 

Interestingly, this residence has an anecdote that it was part of a Fushimi palace made by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Why it has these unsourced anecdotes such as a lord's residence of the Wakayama area or a Palace of Toyotomi Hideyoshi? We think it's quite spacious and luxurious, so they misunderstand it might not be a private house even though the owner was a wealthy merchant.


The Rinshunkaku residence

Why people talk so many stories about this single building? Because it has a glow of beauty which makes us talk a lot. The Sankeien garden was consisted of two gardens, the outer garden which was opened to the public from the very beginning, and the inner garden. The inner garden was for owner's family only. And the central building of the inner garden was the Rinshunkaku.



Rinshunkaku residence

At the entrance of the inner garden, we stood in front of our destination. This area is called 'Nai-en' which means 'inside garden' and there is a historical entrance gate which is called 'Go-mon' or a great gate. This huge gate was also dismantled and reconstructed from a certain temple in Kyoto. We pass through it, and get into the garden.

There is a narrow pavement covered patterned stone. Right hand of the pavement, one of the famous tea ceremony houses called 'Hakuun-tei' is there. We go along the stone pavement, and we can find the entrance door of 'Rinshunkaku.' However, the appearance is just a part of it, and we can't imagine the big-picture view of this building. We can't observe the whole building form from the pavement side. Making a turn to the left hand side path, we move to the front open space. These are a magnificent view of 'Rinshunkaku' behind a large pond, and we are overwhelmed by the complete picture of it.

Gomon gate

From this open space, this building might have been a Daimyo-residence (a Lord's residence), furthermore also a Palace of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Its perspective is graceful, refined, and perfect, we don't think extreme this explanation is extreme. We remember several palace consisted of connected 3 Sukiya style buildings, which are Nijho-jho Nino-maru Palace and Katsura-rikyu Palace. These are authentic and top-grade buildings, so it's difficult to find greater one. However, this residence has one superior point, that is the second building which has the overhung veranda widely sticking out into the pond. This building is highly became together with a Japanese garden.

There are many drawings of the original residence which stood at Osaka until the dismantling and reconstruction during the Meiji era. From these drawings, we can learn the order of 3 buildings was changed when the reconstruction was held. When this residence stood at Osaka,the first building was in the center, which we can observe from the entrance pavement now. And, the left-hand side was the second building and the right-hand side was the third building. So, in left of the residence, a pond or a river might be there, and the overhung veranda was located at the left end. In addition, there was also another big difference between the old and the new, 3 buildings were connected more densely.

Rinshunkaku was reconstructed by the new idea, and the center building was interchanged to the other side. The new order was in the deepest building of the original was moved to the center, and the front building of the previous one changed its position to the most secluded part of this residence, and the center was in the front. At the same time, the third building was reversed, so the back side was moved to the front side. And between the center and the third, a connecting passage, lavatories, and wet area was added at this time.

The order of Rinshunkaku
From the entrance (right side) ⇒ the first, the second, the third

The order of original at Osaka
From the entrance (left side) ⇒the third (the front), the first (the center), the second (the secluded)


The original in Osaka had a completely different appearance from the Rinshunkaku now. So, if you say it's not the same one, because of difference of forms, we accept what you are saying.

However, there is another point of view. Wooden structures, sliding doors, sliding screens, wall paintings, and finishing materials were reused. And the impression of the inside is same as the original and finishing is almost same. If you say it is the reconstruction of the same building, because of the fact same materials were used for it, we also think you can say that again.

Choshukaku

Thus, even though the appearance of it is so beautiful and elegant, we can't have confidence the original in Osaka had the same beauty and elegance. So, also we can't say the original was a Daimyo residence, although we can imagine that when we encounter it at the glance. Its beauty and elegance brought about by the reconstruction in the Meiji era. The alteration according to the location or the re-designation in order to realize the ideal residence is the cause of the revival.

We can't enter the residence, so we can't view architectural beauty of the materials inside. Only a book of photos, we can study the information on the inside design, that's a pity. Front side's beauty does not last into the reverse side. Because a big pond exists in front of this residence, but the back side of it is a hill and a narrow path. We can go along the path into the backyard of it, where the third building and the second building were connected. This area was repaired extensively after the WW2, because it had heavy damage by the war. And also the entrance, lavatories for visitors, and old style bathrooms were repaired then. The back side appearance of it is only an ordinary old-fashioned Japanese house. For example, wooden walls were just on the foundation stone which was not so big, and sliding door with glass instead of Japanese paper.

Too much influenced by the front side, we expected too much that it would be a Daimyo residence. The design which was done in the Meiji era was great, and so many people even researchers were misled by its appearance. However, if you think calmly, this residence was a wealthy merchant's look like a Daimyo residence.


Rinshunkaku (Important Cultural Property)

Built in 1649 during the Edo period./Moved to the garden in 1917 during the Taisho Era.
This villa was built by Yorinobu, the first feudal lord of the Kishu Tokugawa clan (also known as the son of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first shogun of the Edo period.) in Wakayama Prefecture along the Kinokawa River. The interior is decorated with sophisutication as seen in the ink paintings done by Kano school painters on the sliding doors and walls (the originals are stored and displayed at the Sankei Memorial).


Choshukaku (Important Cultural Property)

Built in 1623 during the Edo period./Moved to the garden in 1922 during the Taisho Era.
Believed to have been located on the premises of Nijojo Castle in Kyoto, this building has an unique architectural design unlike any other in Japan and is connected to Iemitsu Tokugawa (the third shogun of the Edo period) and and Kasuga no Tsubone (his wet nurse).


Gekkaden (Important Cultural Property)

Built in 1603 during the Edo period/Moved to the garden in 1918 during the Taisho Era.
Originally built on the premises of Fushimijo Castle in Kyoto and used as a waiting room for Daimyo (leading figures of feudal clans).

from the Official Information of the Paper (we got at the entrance)


Transition of  Lord's residence

We want to review the transition of Lord's living places from the Sengoku era to the Edo era. The lords were the most high-class people at that time, so the living places were also made by the most high-level technology. When we think of the Sengoku era, we imagine huge castles built by the Sengoku lords. However, these huge castles were built at the very end of the Sengoku era. Before that, there were several patterns of residences of the lords, so we will mention in accordance with the changing times.

Gekkaden

At the beginning of the Sengoku era, lords' residences were made on flatland, and for protection against their enemies, they made moats and earthworks around the site. Soon wars became wider and frequently all around Japan, and this style of residences became less protective against huge enemies power.

Then, the style particular to the Ichijhodani residences was made in many places. This style was a combination of a residence on flatland and a mountain castle on the steep mountain. When the enemy came near the residence, they escaped into the mountain castle. This tactics was changed dramatically because of the appearance of the Azuchi castle. Oda Nobunaga who planned this castle started a new tactics which ment building a huge castle and living inside the castle.

Ichijhodani medival town






This tactics had two merit one of which was to show off his power to the ruled people and another was to live at a secure place surrounded many defensive facilities. Castle was developed in the period of Toyotomi Hideyoshi who was the Oda Nobunaga's successor, especially Toyotomi Hideyoshi made many castles using imaginative tactics, and the Osaka castle was one of his masterpiece magnificent and on the other hand defensive.

Choshukaku

However, how wide the lord of the castle made his castle, space for his residence was limited by the surrounding facilities for the defence as long as he made his residence inside his castle. He didn't have a free hand as for his living place. In the Edo era, the warring period was over, but the lord's of the castles had to live inside his castle. Even though the Kazazawa castle where was very wide site for the residences, the lords' of this castle felt cramped.

Kanazawa castle







Then the wealthy lords made villas around their castles, and they lived there usually. Because residences in the castles were used not only their living places but also governmental space, and many retainers worked for them to dominate
their areas. They were rich enough but also they didn't have free hands. Their living places were fixed, and if they hoped to make elegant residences, they didn't.


Other buildings in the Sankei-en garden


The Sankei-en was made by a very wealthy merchant. He was interested in preservation of Japanese historical buildings, which were in the hard situation on their maintenance. He corrected many buildings from all around Japan, and he did not mind the difference of building ages and purpose. If we express in impolite words, these were mixed-ups. Although, in spite of mixtures, all tea rooms scattered around the garden are striking. We suppose it's because he was interested in the tea ceremony personally, so, all buildings were gathered to make an ideal tea ceremony space here.

Yanohara-family residence

And it was planned according to the theme which was to make an ideal tea ceremony space. Amount of relocated buildings are only 17, though, these are comfortably scattered and in harmony with the natural environment there. Although, there are several buildings out of this place, such as a three-storied pagoda and a big traditional Japanese style house. These are not relevant to tea ceremony space, however, it flashes upon us that these buildings are kind of borrowed landscapes.

SHOGUN's castle

Do you know a famous TV drama broadcasted in the U.S. at the beginning of 1980's? This main tower appeared as the SHOGUN's castle in it. One more thing, this main tower was not a historical remain but a theme park symbol tower. What kind of circumstances around the appearance of this castle?
Let's investigate it! 


Fushimi-momoyama castle

SHOGUN's castle (Fushimi-momoyama castle)

Fushimi-momoyama castle was not a genuine historical castle tower, but made as an amusement park's symble. In spite of its commercial motive, its appearance was well reproduced and it was made heavy use in many field. 

Fushimi district where we visit this time was the most important city in the Sengoku period when Toyotomi Hideyoshi governed Japan. Then, he built Fushimi castle there, to be accurate, in his last few years, and this castle was the center of Japanese politics at that time.

First of all, we want to mention where we visit exactly. The place is named Fusimi-momoyama castle, and you can find an extra word 'momoyama' in this name. Going straight to the point, this castle tower is not the genuine Fushimi castle but a reconstructed one which was belonged in a ruined theme park. This ruined theme park was constructed very near place of the real Fushimi castle. We want to explain this 2 castles' history, Fushimi-momoyama castle of a theme park attraction and the real Fushimi castle of a historical ruin.



The history of Fushimi-momoyama castle

We'll begin with Fushimi-momoyama castle on a theme park attraction first. This reconstructed castle tower made by reinforced concrete structure was the symbol of this theme park. And this theme park was opened in 1964.

At that time, Japanese people have been becoming wealthy little by little, and they became to enjoy domestic trips on their holidays. Many reconstructed castle towers all around Japan were supplying these demands. People wanted to visit somewhere memorable. So, reconstructed castle towers were fitting their demands very much.

Because there were many castle-ruins but only stone ramparts in these places, so the scenery there couldn't satisfy the visitors. Even though these castles were historically important, they were not enough to be a main attraction. People demanded some buildings they could enter and appreciate. Then the idea to reconstruct castle towers which had been once located there was a big hit. These castle towers were built at the very places where the originals were existed. So, the scenery of the whole castle was not changed worse, but rather became well arranged by the existence of the core element.

By success of reconstructed castle towers, almost all regional castle ruins were renovated as sightseeing places. For owners of big companies who were searching for new business, this success would be diverted to their theme park business. This Fushimi-momoyama castle was also made as a symbol of a theme park. Speaking about this theme park, they couldn't buy up the land of the former genuine Fushimi castle because the land has belonged to the Imperial family. Thus, this site was developed as a theme park where both adults and children could enjoy, and this castle was built there, and amusement area with a roller coaster was built beside the castle tower.

This castle tower was modeled after an old folding screen in which Fushimi castle had been written. So the theme park company aimed to make a literal castle tower. However, the management of it didn't go well, and it was closed in 2003. The decision was decided to pull down the theme park attraction equipment and also the tower, and this area was soon changed to a public sports park.

Once it was a amusement park

Many citizens claimed to continue this castle tower, and it remained as a facility of this sports park. This castle tower isn't a genuine one of couse, but it had been reproduced historically faithfully. Therefore it was used as a filming location of several famous films. And whenever it was used for a film, its surface was cleaned, recoated and renovated, so it kept relatively good condition until a little while ago. However, recently, Japanese people became to not watch historical films, so its deterioration became advanced nowadays.

By the way, there is another problem with this castle tower. We can't enter inside of it because of its lack of earthquake-proof. So, it stands as a spot known to those in the know or kind of history buff. If we add as a bonus, local people enjoy a scenery of a castle and cherry blossom in full bloom.

 
We visited there when a big typhoon just went through from Osaka to Kyoto squarely. Tiles of the tower's roof were damaged in many places and a gate door was blown off. Dozen of trees surrounded this building had mowed down and all roots were exposed. So, all around the tower was blocked by rope and the sign of 'No trespassing' was there, and we couldn't come close to the tower.
Furthermore, the appearance of the castle tower with our own eyes was not same as photos on the Internet. It was heavily soiled. We supposed that was not only caused by the typhoon but also cruel treatment. We doubted neglect of periodic renewal and appropriate maintenance.

In events information at Fushimi ward office, there was no event at Fushimi-momoyama castle. And, in papers introducing local sightseeing spots, no Fushimi-momoyama castle was described. By contrast, in the Internet, there were many photos of the beautiful castle tower supposed to be taken approximately 5 and more years ago. We worry the real Fushimi-momoyama castle is getting deteriorated severely. If anyone doesn't argue this situation, it will disappear in the next several years. That's a pity. 

Looking back on this castle tower's history, we found a trivia information. The castle tower appeared in the very famous TV drama broadcasted all of the United States in 1980. This TV drama was named 'SHOGUN', and this castle tower appeared as the Edo castle's main tower, because there are only stone basements in the genuine's location. We suppose this tower would be chosen because of its majestic appearance. It looked like a massive main genuine tower and well embodied main character's strong point.

If you have little knowledge about Japanese castle's stone walls, you can notice that in this castle tower (in the TV drama, the Edo castle) was awful fake. We suppose that such things were not so important for the TV drama crew. The TV drama was a blockbuster at that time. Japan gathered world attention because of its economic success then, and especially, Americans wanted to know who Japanese people were. That day was gone, and we feel nostalgia in this kind of story.


The history of Fushimi castle

If you want to learn Japanese history professionally, you should read another technical one. So, we want to write in plain words. Toyotomi Hideyoshi became the next ruler after Oda Nobunaga. He built the Osaka castle in Osaka city and aimed to control Kyoto city from his base point same as the former ruler. Because Kyoto city was the most important city and it was a center of politics in Japan at that time. It was a same idea when Oda Nobunaga had made the Azuchi castle in the eastern neighbor of Kyoto city during the age in which he ruled Japan and imposed his strong order to Kyoto city.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Roughly saying, this strategy didn't work well. He needed the political system to govern whole Japan, because he continued the old political system and he became the substantial top of it. If he stayed in the Osaka castle, he had to send the governmental decisions to the ceremonial top to do documenting them. Then, he made his new residential castle in the western suburbs, and this was called 'Juraku-dai.' He moved to Kyoto, and this place became a new center of politics. Juraku-dai was surrounded wide and tall earthworks for protection. It was not a castle but kind of palace and something like 'Shogunal palace' in the Muromachi period.

Several years after living at Juraku-dai, he evacuated it and gave it to the heir. And he started to build a retreat in the southern suburbs, and this was the first Fushimi castle. It was not a castle but also palace like Juraku-dai. Before the completion of this palace, many things happened. The heir died, and a giant earthquake destroyed his new retreating castle. He decided to demolish Juraku-dai because he became to dislike this building, and began to build the second Fushimi castle in another place near the first one. The second one was a typical early modern castle, and it became the place of his death.

Then, Tokugawa Ieyasu became the next ruler. Instead of the second one which had been burned by the disasters connected with the Sekigahara-no-tatakai war, the third one was reconstructed in the same place of the second. Soon after the completion of the thirt Fushimi castle, the atmosphere changed rapidly, and it didn't become appropriate as the political center because of its location. The new castle called the Nijo castle was made, and the Fushimi castle was decided to destroy. Then the Fushimi castle disappeared from the stage of Japanese history.


Additional infomation

Fushimi city is famous for long time continuing Sake making company. It has an old-fashoned museum. Many international tourists are wandering around downtoun area.

Fushimi city has a famous Sake maker 

Okayama castle

The Okayama castle was made during a very sensitive time. The timing was different from the majority of other famous Japanese castles'. 

The majoryty of castles which still remain were made (or extensively replaned after the Sekigahara-no-tatakai war (1600). This kind of boom in castle-constructions was continued until Siege of Osaka castle (1615). The reason of this boom was an atmosphere which suggested some big war would occur soon. 

During this period, the ruler of Japan changed from the Toyotomi family to the Tokugawa family. And, people thought this ruler's change would cause grave repercussions for all Lords. So, they made or replaned their defensive facilities. 

However, the Okayama castle was not listed these castles. Then, what difference Okayama castle had? 

The Okayama castle site is renovated and reopened at November 3 2022: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kASDz2gAAy8


Main Tower


It was constructed around 10 years earlier than others. And its completion was the Toyotomi family's ruling period. At this timing people believed the Toyotomi family's domination was strong and firm, and would last longtime. 

So, there was no immediate reason for this big new castle, we suppose. However, for the ruler himself, the defense was the most immediate priority. 

In the western district of Osaka, there was the Mouri family who had a strong military power. So, Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered to build this castle. 

It was located at the halfway point between the Mouri family's territory and Toyotomi's headquarter. This was the reason of its appearance.

Then let's focus another aspect, this castle has significant features of appearance apart from the majority of other famous castles. 

And the Okayama castle isn't the only castle which has this exterior features. Another example is the Matsumoto castle. 

Its construction was started in the same year when the Okayama castle's started.

We can't stop to mention that both of them have same black walls called Shitami-itabari at their exterior. This wall design is a standard of Toyotomi's castles. And these features are quite different from other's.  

Okayama castle and Matsumoto castle

These 2 castles have another similarity.

The Matsumoto castle was made aiming to be a defensive device of Matsumoto district against the Tokugawa family (one of Toyotomi's hypothetical enemies). Before the construction started, Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered the Tokugawa family to move to Kanto district. And Matsumoto district was the middle point between Osaka and Kanto. 

Then, we can conclude these 2 castles, the Okayama castle and the Matsumoto castle, have not only same exterior features but also same background birth histories. 

However, for the Okayama castle, defense of Toyotomi family's headquarters was not the only reason. 

Another reason was the relationship of the first lord of this castle and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. 

Ukita Hideie, the first lord of this castle was an adopted child of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This newly united parent-child relationship meant that he was given a position as a member of ruler's family. 

His new father was the richest person. So, this castle had the implication of a magnificent present to an adopted child. 

To cultivate a better understanding, we look back on the relationship of Hideie, the first load of the Okayama castle. 

His true father had died 9 years before the beginning of this castle's construction. After the death of his father, he was the only hope for the Ukita clan and their retainers. So, they fought for the Toyotomi family with full force in many wars. 

And, the Ukita family became an essential member of the Toyotomi group, and Hideie was given huge dominant. And also the ruler agreed to make a giant castle appropriate for one of great Sengoku lords. 

Hideie's heyday was the very timing. As the construction work started in this way, there were no other castles as luxury as this castle. His adoptive father gave him every knowledge of castle-constructing. After 8 years with Hideyoshi's supervising, this castle was completed 1597.

After that, Hideie was down on his luck. His strong backer, the richest person in Japan died of disease 2 years after the completion. 

Soon after the incident, the Tokugawa group who started challenge to the Toyotomi group. That was the famous war, the Sekigahara-no-tatakai war (1600). Hideie fought for the Toyotomi group, but they were defeated. 

After the incident, he was exiled as the penalty to a far south isolated island, the Hachijo-jima.


Okayama castle and Asahi river

Framework of this castle was done by Ukita Hideie, but the full completion was done by the next load, the Kobayakawa clan, and the third load, the Ikeda clan. 

During the governing by the Ikeda, the Kouraku-en park neighboring the castle was added. 

This area is a huge Daimyo garden famous as one of the three great gardens of Japan nowadays. But, it was originally made as a defensive facility at northern area of the center compound. 


Land reclamation

'Land reclamation' means filling up of shallow beach mainly. This land reclamation is deeply connected with the history of the Okayama district. 

Not only Okayama district but also many places in Japan is filled up throughout Japan's long history. Comparing the Sengoku period and present-day, the position of the coastline is dramatically changed, and many lakes are destroyed by reclamation. We suppose Japan at the Sengoku era was considerably narrow.  

How different are these places between now and then?

One example is the battle field of the Okehazama-no-tatakai war (Aichi Pref.). When the war occurred, fortifications where were in the center of the battle area were located along a coastline. 

However, if we visit the ruins now, they are in the middle of residential area and the coast line is very far from there.

Another example is the Azuchi castle (Siga Pref.). When Oda Nobunaga made this castle, the castle mountain was located in the midst of a lake. And there was very little space connected with surrounding flatland. 

However, the castle mountain is fully surrounded by paddy field plus several historical museums now, and no lake water. 

One more, another example is lost lake called the Ogura pond (Kyoto Pref.). It was located between Kyoto and Osaka. This pond was a kind of barrier when people travel between each city in the Sengoku era. 

But, it was filled up and changed into a huge housing lot now. 

Information about Land Reclamation

When it comes to the Okayama district, same kind of serious change happened. The Kojima peninsula was an island in the Sengoku period. So, on the contrary, peninsula was created someday from then to now. 

Furthermore, the Kojima bay (which is a small bay now) was a huge inland sea. In the bay, there were many bases of pirates and it was the most prosperous area of piracy. 

Flatland around the Okayama castle was also made by land reclamation during the Sengoku period. The early time in this era, the Okayama castle had been a small hill beside the bay. 

The technology of 'land reclamation' was already established in the Sengoku period. And it was developed for enlarging arable land, mainly reclaim a shallow sea. All flatlands around the Okayama castle were developed using this knowledge.

There was a famous event we want to mention specially, that was the Bittyu-takamatsu castle siege. 

In this siege, Toyotomi Hideyoshi made a wide artifically constructed dam. Using this dam, he pulled water all around enemy's castle using river water, then made a wide pool. Then, enemy soldiers were lsolated in the midst of the pool. 

Ukita's retainers played an important role to fulfill this strategy. Because, they had experience of earthwork and land reclamation.  


Information go to the Okayama castle

Because Shinkansen super express stops Okayama station, it's only 50 minites from Shin-oksaka. In the Sengoku period, Toyotomi Hideyoshi experienced difficulty to go west although he reached the Himeji castle easily. 

On the contrary, we reach Okayama station very easily. And, we aim the castle by walk. The distance is approximately 1 kilometer.

From a paper made by Okayama city

Speaking of the Okayama castle, only Honmaru compound is survived. 

Inside of the Honmaru is separated into several areas. The highest area is called the Hon-dan, and next lower area where the residence of the lord was is called the Naka-no-dan. And the lowest area in the compound is called the Shita-no-dan. 

Remained or reconstructed historical buildings are very few, namely an entrance gate turret of the Hon-dan, the main tower, and a turret and a gate in the Naka-no-dan.



Whole Area

If we mention a positive perspective, stone walls in the Honmaru compound are mostly remained. However, because of huge empty space, we feel the vastness. 

Once, there were the Nishi-no-kaku area and the Tounan-no-kaku area that layered on the Honmaru. Outside of them, a huge Ninomaru was there. Between these compounds, there were wide moats. So, we suppose, it looked like a castle floating on a lake at its heyday.

These areas were changed into office buildings or public facilities such as museums and concert halls. Only the Asahi river flowing on the north side resembles the magnificent view of its heyday. 

Main feature of this sightseeing site is the main tower which was reconstructed made of reinforced concrete. The appearance was made imitating the original proportion. From a distant view, this explanation is understandable. However, when you enter the building, you will find aluminum window frames there.


The Kourakuen garden

Moving to a bridge over the Asahi river, we visit a famous Daimyo garden, the Kourakuen garden. Made by the order of a lord of the Okayama castle, the Ikeda clan during the Edo period. Originally it was a villa of the lord's family.

These gardens were classified into stroll gardens. In this garden, huge ponds are located in the central area, and many pavilions are scattered around. 

And, a plum garden and other plants gardens are in several corners. Now, majority is a lawn, but rice was planted at first. That was because the lord hoped to appreciate a scenery of rice fields. He ordered making real rice plant as the motif of this garden. 

However, rice required a lot of work, so a successor changed the main plant from 'rice' to 'lawn' at the end of the Edo period.