Tatsugoyama Castle

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Tatsugoyama2.jpg

History

Tatsugoyama Castle was built by the Ōtsuka Clan, though it was not clear when. However, from 1602 Tozawa Masamori maintained a fortification at the foot of the hill which was known as Matsuokajō. In 1622 the Tozawa were forced to relocate to Shinjō-han in Dewa. Matsuoka was reconstituted as part of Mito-han. Nakayama Nobumasa was given the castle in 1646. The Nakayama Clan acted as castellans until 1707 when they abandoned the castle for another location. They however returned in 1803 when Nakayama Nobutaka re-established the castle. It was at this time that the castle town leading up to the citadel was developed, remains of which are present throughout the neighbourhood to this day. Tatsugoyama Castle never had any towers: the honmaru was located on the hillside with the ninomaru, which contained the lord’s residence, at its foot. The adjacent sannomaru contained administrative facilities, as well as kitchens and stores. The lord’s retainers lived in homes located in both the third and second baileys. The castle town developed leading up to the castle’s entrance, marked by a moat which is still present today.


Visit Notes

ven though there a no stone ruins, only dug moats and piled earth, the surrounding neighbourhood has retained its character from the late Edo period. A broad street paved with brick stretches out from the castle entrance bordered by a traditional wallscape, including a pair of thatched roof gatehouses. There are many old houses and structures in the castle town, the grandest of which is a farmer’s manor dating to 1777.




Gallery
  • Dorui and Mizubori
  • Dorui and Mizubori


Castle Profile
English Name Tatsugoyama Castle
Japanese Name 龍子山城
Alternate Names Matsuokajō
Founder Ōtsuka Clan
Year Founded Before 1602
Castle Type Hilltop
Castle Condition Ruins only
Designations Local Historic Site
Historical Period Pre Edo Period
Features water moats
Visitor Information
Access Takahagi Station on the Jōban Line, 40 minute walk or bus
Visitor Information free, 24/7
Time Required 60 mins
Location Takahagi, Ibaraki Prefecture
Coordinates 36° 44' 19.14" N, 140° 42' 18.11" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle 2016
Contributor ART
Admin Year Visited Viewer Contributed
Friends of JCastle
Jōkaku Hōrōki
Kojōdan
Kojō Seisuiki


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ARTShogun

90 months ago
Score 0++
Even though there are no stone ruins, only dug moats and piled earth, the surrounding neighbourhood has retained its character from the Late Edo Period. A broad street paced with brick stretches out from the castle entrance bordered by a traditional wallscape, including a pair of thatched roof gatehouses. There are many old houses and structures in the castle town, the grandest of which is a farmer’s manor dating to 1777. Here is shown the castle ruin, now a pretty park and hillside covered in bamboo, and the surrounding streetscape.