Shiryokaku Fort

From Jcastle.info

Shiryokaku5.jpg

History

The Shiryokaku fort is Goryokaku’s lesser known little brother. Its sits on a gentle slope about three kilometers northeast of Goryokaku and was intended to protect that fort’s rear against attack. “Shiryokaku” literally means “four-sided fortification” (“Goryokaku” means “five-sided fortification”). It is a very simple affair composed of earthen walls with four bastions and surrounded by a dry moat. There is a shielded entrance on the south side. There don’t seem to have been any permanent structures within the walls. Just as Goryokaku is often compared to a star, the shape of Shiryokaku is sometimes compared to a butterfly.

In April, 1869, Shiryokaku was built in just two weeks under the direction of Otori Keisuke, commander-in-chief of the army of the Ezo Republic and his French second in command, Jules Brunet. So it was something of a Franco-Japanese co-production. However, Imperial forces overran the fort in just a few hours on May 11th as the defenders retreated for their last stand in Goryokaku.

The photo above is the view from the Northeast bastion with a clear view of the trench. The tower in the distance marks the site of Goryokaku. Mount Hakodate is behind that to the right.


Visit Notes

Shiryokaku is well worth a visit for hard core castle fans and history buffs. Others might prefer to pass on it, although in the summer it's a great place for kids to catch bugs or for a game of frisbee.

All photos and text donated by RonS




Gallery
  • View from the Northeast bastion with a clear view of the trench.
  • southeast bastion looking toward the entrance.
  • fort's interior from the southeast bastion
  • northwest bastion looking south
  • shielded entrance and the ramp for cannon


Castle Profile
English Name Shiryokaku Fort
Japanese Name 四稜郭
Founder Otori Keisuke/Jules Brunet
Year Founded 1869
Castle Type Flatland
Castle Condition Ruins only
Designations National Historic Site
Historical Period Edo Period
Main Keep Structure Earthen walls with four bastions surrounded by a dry moat (trench)
Year Reconstructed Restored in 1934 and 1990
Features
Visitor Information
Access private car, taxi or city bus
Visitor Information
Time Required
Website http://www.hijikata-toshizo.com/k4.htm
Location Hakodate, Hokkaido
Coordinates 41° 49' 32.09" N, 140° 46' 14.88" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle 2011
Admin Year Visited Viewer Contributed
Admin Visits Viewer Donated


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