Hatchou Castle (Mikawa)
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History
Hatchōjō was built by Ishikawa Kanāmi in the late 16th century. Although there is also a theory that Hatchōjō was also originally built by Ashikaga Yoshiuji in the early 13th century. The castle, likely just a fortified residence, was situated in a village along the Tōkaidō, an important trade route, and also controlled access to the Old Yahagigawa Bridge, so it was strategically significant. In the proto-modern period, the site was swallowed up by the expanding castle town surrounding Okazaki Castle, and became the site of miso granaries which remain to this day.
Visit Notes
Hatchōjō is a minor castle-residence site which was developed over much earlier than most, being located in the jōkamachi (castle town) of the later Okazaki Castle. The name ‘Hatchō’ derives from the location of the neighbourhood being eight blocks from Okazakijō. The castle’s name is modern then. The site of Hatchōjō today is now that of traditional miso production facilities, and represents some of the only historic townscape left of the Okazaki-jōkamachi.
There are no remains of Hacchōjō, but I wanted to visit the neighbourhood and miso granaries. Okazaki, specifically Hacchō, is famous for its red miso. One can take a guided tour of one of the factories and sample akamiso soup free of charge, as I did. The factory itself has an old time charm. I ended up being quite interested in it. It was like visiting Willi Wonka’s factory – except nobody died. I’d recommend taking a tour if you’re in Okazaki. Various miso-based goods are also sold, and we tried miso ice cream. These pictures show the miso factories and locale.
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Hatchou Castle (Mikawa) |
| Japanese Name | 三河八丁城 |
| Founder | Ashikaga Yoshiuji (theorised); Ishikawa Kanāmi |
| Year Founded | Early 13th century; Late 16th century |
| Castle Type | Fortified Manor |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Naka-Okazaki Station on the Aichi Loop Line; 2 minute walk; or Okazakikōen-mae Station on the Meitetsu-Nagoya Main Line; 6 minute walk |
| Visitor Information | Private Property |
| Time Required | 30 minutes |
| Location | Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 34° 57' 25.67" N, 137° 9' 6.12" E |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2023 |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
| Friends of JCastle | |
| Jōkaku Shashin Kiroku | |
| Aichi no Shiro | |
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