Sonobe Castle

History

Sonobejō has the distinction of being the last ever castle built in Japan! It was built in 1868, the same year as the Meiji Restoration, and thus, the year the Edo Shogunate ended. In the Bakamatsu Period (end of the Edo Period), the situation in Kyōto become very dangerous, with Shinsengumi (Shogunal police corps) engaging in street fights with anti-Shogunate revolutionaries. There were several skirmishes around the Imperial palace in Kyōto between Satsuma and Chōshū, at that time rival clans fighting for the influence over the Imperial Court. Chōshū advocated for continuing the Shogunate albeit with more influence from the throne, whereas Satsuma wanted to overthrow the Bakufu completely, re-installing the Emperor as sole sovereign of Japan. These forces, and the forces of the Shogunate, and various other revolutionaries, all fought over the Imperial Capital, making it a very dangerous place to be. Sonobejō was built as a place of refuge for the Emperor should he ever have to flee Kyōto. It was founded by the Koide Clan who had served as the Emperor's guards throughout the Edo Period.

Visit Notes

Sonobejō has three original structures intact, dating to the very end of the Edo Period. They are a gatehouse, guardhouse and turret on site. The Taiko Turret also survives, but has been relocated to the Anraku Temple. A modern "cultural hall" has been built nearby the castle. It is a castle-inspired structure but has a glass atrium built into the mock ramparts, so I think it's pretty absurd. Profile by ART, most photos by RonS.

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Gallery

Tatsumi Yagura and Yaguramon
Yaguramon Gate
Tatsumi Yagura and Yaguramon
Tatsumi Yagura, Guardhouse, and Yaguramon Gate
Yaguramon Gate and Guardhouse
Tatsumi Yagura, Guardhouse, and Yaguramon Gate
Tatsumi Yagura
Tatsumi Yagura
Tatsumi Yagura and Yaguran Gate
Tatsumi Yagura and Yaguran Gate
Wall with loophole
Taiko Yagura
Taiko Yagura
Taiko Yagura
Site of the main Three Level Yagura
Map
Castle Inspired Structure on the Castle Grounds
This nearby school has been Mogified!
A marker for "Sonobe Castle" on google actually points here!
Jarring conconction of glass and fake ishigaki

Castle Profile
English Name	Sonobe Castle
Japanese Name	園部城
Founder	Koide Yoshichika
Year Founded	1868
Castle Type	Hilltop
Castle Condition	No main keep but other buildings
Designations	Prefectural Historic Site
Historical Period	Edo Period
Features	gates, turrets, stone walls, walls
Visitor Information
Access	Sonobe Station on the San'in Main Line; 15 minute walk
Visitor Information	Free
Time Required	30 minutes
Location	Nantan, Kyoto
Coordinates	35° 6' 16.81" N, 135° 28' 12.50" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2018
Contributor	ART
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed