Mizuno
Fukuyama Castle
福山城
| Alternate Name | Hisamatsu-jo, Iyoo-jo |
| Founder | Mizuno Katsunari |
| Year | 1622 |
| Reconstructed | 1966 (concrete) |
| Type | Hilltop |
| Structure | S levels, 6 stories |
| Condition | Reconstructed |
| Rating | ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ |
| Historical Site | National Historic Site |
| Historical Value | Top 100 Castles, Important Cultural Properties |
| Historical Artifacts |
Important Cultural Properties: Fushimi Yagura, Sujigane Gate |
| Location | Fukuyama, Hiroshima Pref. |
| Map | Google Map |
| Access | Fukuyama Sta. (San'yo line); 5 minute walk |
| Website | Fukuyama Castle Official Homepage |
| Notes | Not personally visited. All pictures donated by Aldo S. |
| History | In 1619, Mizuno Katsunari, a cousin of Tokugawa Ieyasu, was the first of the Tokugawa "inner lords" to be stationed in the Chuugoku region. He was placed here at Fukuyama to be just between the "outer lords" in Hiroshima and Okayama. He completed the castle in 1622. Fukuyama Castle was one of the greatest castle of the Edo Period but was mostly destroyed in the air raids of 1945. Only the Fushimi Yagura and Sujigane Gate survived. |
Viewer Comments
(1) | Post CommentWent and sussed this castle out after going to Okayama Castle. Fukuyama Castle is just across from the JR Fukuyama Station. It takes almost an hour from Okayama Station using the local JR train. This castle is quite impressive on the outside, but the inside definitely has a 1960s concrete construction feel to it. Contrast this with the interior of Okayama Castle (another concrete reconstruction) which is done more tastefully. If you are in the area, this castle is definitely worth a visit.
August 07, 2008 at 04:49 PM