Katsuyama Castle, Katsuyama City (Fukui Prefecture): A History from the Construction of the Shibata Clan to the Present, and Japan’s Tallest Castle Tower Museum
Katsuyama Castle, formerly located in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, played a crucial role as a strategic point in Echizen Province from the Sengoku period to the Edo period. While few remains of the castle itself exist today, the Katsuyama Castle Museum, boasting the tallest castle tower-style building in Japan, stands there, preserving the history of the area. This article provides a detailed explanation of Katsuyama Castle’s history, structure, successive lords, and modern highlights.
History of Katsuyama Castle
Sengoku Period: Construction by Shibata Katsuyasu
The history of Katsuyama Castle begins in 1580. When Shibata Katsuie, a senior retainer of Oda Nobunaga, became the lord of Kitasho Castle in Echizen (present-day Fukui City), his relative, Shibata Katsuyasu (also known as Shibata Katsunari), built the castle on this site.
Katsuyasu built a castle in Fukuroda and named it Katsuyama Castle, after the alternative name for Murayama, “Katsuyama.” This castle functioned as a base for controlling Ono District in Echizen Province and as an important military base for the Oda regime in the Hokuriku region.
According to the records of the *Shinchō Kōki*, Hara Nagayori also served as the castle lord at one point, suggesting that multiple warlords were involved in the management of the castle within the Shibata clan’s system of rule.
The Fall of the Shibata Clan and the Change of Castle Lords
In 1583, when Shibata Katsuie was defeated by Hashiba Hideyoshi (later Toyotomi Hideyoshi) at the Battle of Shizugatake, the Shibata clan fell. After this battle, a new castle lord was appointed under the Toyotomi regime to Katsuyama Castle.
After the fall of the Shibata clan, Narita Shigemasa became the castle lord. The Narita clan was a family known for their residence at Oshi Castle in Kōzuke Province (present-day Gyōda City, Saitama Prefecture). They gained the trust of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and were stationed in Echizen Province. Later, Hasegawa Hidekazu also served as lord of the castle. Hasegawa Hidekazu was a samurai who served Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and was responsible for governing the Katsuyama area.
Edo Period: Establishment of the Katsuyama Domain and Successive Lords
In the Edo period, Katsuyama Castle came under the control of the Yūki family (Matsudaira family). It was positioned as a branch domain of the Echizen Fukui Domain, and governed the region.
In 1691 (Genroku 4), Ogasawara Sadayoshi was appointed with a stipend of 23,000 koku, officially establishing the Katsuyama Domain. The Ogasawara clan was a prominent family from Shinano Province and a lineage of Tokugawa vassals who had been transferred to various regions. The Ogasawara clan’s rule of the Katsuyama Domain continued until the Meiji Restoration, with nine generations serving as lords.
Under the rule of the Ogasawara clan, Katsuyama Castle functioned as the political and administrative center, and the castle town was also developed. The Katsuyama area thrived on the silk weaving industry, which developed into an important industry supporting the domain’s finances.
Meiji Era: Abolition of the Castle and Changes in the Castle Ruins
After the Meiji Restoration, the Katsuyama Domain was abolished due to the establishment of prefectures and the abolition of the feudal domains, and Katsuyama Castle was also abandoned. In the early Meiji period, the castle buildings were gradually demolished, and the castle grounds were sold off to private individuals.
Until 1965, parts of the castle tower base and stone walls remained, but these were removed with the construction of the Katsuyama Civic Hall. At this point, almost all remains of Katsuyama Castle were lost. Currently, a monument marking the castle site stands on the grounds of the Civic Hall, indicating that a castle once stood here.
Structure and Scale of Katsuyama Castle
Castle Layout
Katsuyama Castle was built as a flatland castle, with a castle area of approximately 396 meters north-south and 293 meters east-west. It consisted of a main keep (Honmaru), second bailey (Ninmaru), and third bailey (Sanmaru), exhibiting the typical form of a modern castle.
The main keep (Honmaru) was located in the area where the current Katsuyama City Hall and Katsuyama Civic Center are located. In particular, the site of the Civic Center had a keep base, functioning as the central part of the castle. The second and third baileys were arranged surrounding the main keep and led to the castle town.
Defensive Structures
Records indicate that the stone walls remained until 1965 (Showa 40), demonstrating its defensive capabilities as a modern castle. The existence of a keep base has also been confirmed, suggesting a high probability that a keep or a turret serving as a keep stood there.
While it is presumed that defensive structures such as moats and earthworks were also constructed, traces cannot be confirmed today due to urbanization.
Katsuyama Castle Today: Remains and Monument
Remaining Remains
Unfortunately, the remains of Katsuyama Castle have been completely lost due to urbanization. The last remaining structures—the castle tower base and stone walls—were removed in 1965 with the construction of the Civic Hall, leaving no remains above ground.
Monument and Memorial
A magnificent monument stands on the grounds of the Katsuyama Civic Hall. This monument is the only historical marker indicating the former presence of Katsuyama Castle. The area surrounding the monument has been developed into a small park, serving as a place of relaxation for local residents.
Visitors can stand on the site where the castle tower base once stood by visiting the Civic Hall. The surrounding topography and town layout offer a faint glimpse of the former castle town.
Katsuyama Castle Museum: Japan’s Tallest Castle Tower
Museum Overview
The Katsuyama Castle Museum is a registered museum built in the style of a castle tower, which opened in 1992. Located in Heisenji-cho, Katsuyama City, it is built on a different site from the historical Katsuyama Castle.
The museum’s most striking feature is its overwhelming height. The five-story, six-tiered castle tower reaches a height of 57.8 meters from the stone base to the shachi (mythical fish-like creature), making it the tallest castle tower-style building in Japan. While this record is for a castle tower-style building and not a real castle, its magnificent scale overwhelms visitors.
Architectural Features
The castle tower of the Katsuyama Castle Museum was designed based on Himeji Castle. Its beautiful white-walled exterior has a striking presence even from afar. Its towering presence amidst the rural landscape is truly breathtaking.
Notably, this museum was built using private funds. The founder of Sogo Taxi, a local businessman, invested his personal fortune to construct this museum, aiming to pass on the history and culture of the region to future generations.
Collections and Exhibits
The Katsuyama Castle Museum houses a comprehensive collection.
Armor and Weapons Collection: Numerous pieces of armor and weapons passed down through various daimyo families are on display, boasting the largest permanent collection in the Hokuriku region. Visitors can see samurai equipment from the Sengoku period to the Edo period up close, making it a valuable opportunity for history enthusiasts.
Textile Collection: Textiles and clothing passed down through daimyo families are also exhibited. Visitors can admire the luxurious costumes and intricate embroidery techniques of the Edo period.
Battle Scene Screens: Screens depicting battles from various regions are on display, allowing for a visual understanding of the battles of the Sengoku period. These screens are also highly valuable as works of art, vividly conveying the battles and exploits of the warlords of the time.
Views from the Observation Deck
From the observation deck on the top floor, you can enjoy panoramic views of Katsuyama city and the surrounding natural landscape. Katsuyama city is a region blessed with a beautiful natural environment, registered as a Japanese Geopark. From the observation deck, you can see the Hakusan mountain range, the flow of the Kuzuryu River, and the rural landscape unique to Fukui Prefecture.
Especially on clear days, you can see the majestic figure of Mount Hakusan in the distance, giving you a real sense of Echizen’s geographical location.
Visitor Guide: Access and Tourist Information
Access to Katsuyama Castle Ruins (Castle Site Monument)
Location: 1-chome, Motomachi, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture (around Katsuyama Civic Hall)
Public Transportation:
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Katsuyama Station on the Echizen Railway Katsuyama-Eiheiji Line
- City loop bus available from Katsuyama Station
By Car:
- Approximately 5 minutes from Katsuyama IC on the Chubu Jukan Expressway
- Parking available at Katsuyama City Hall and Civic Hall
The castle site monument is located on the grounds of the Civic Hall and can be freely viewed. Parking is also available, making it convenient to access by car.
Access to Katsuyama Castle Museum
Location: 85-26-1 Heisenji, Heisenji-cho, Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture
Opening Hours:
- Regular: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
- Hours may vary depending on the season; please check the official website before visiting.
Closed Days:
- Wednesdays (or the following day if Wednesday is a public holiday)
- New Year holidays
Admission Fee:
- General: 500 yen
- Group discounts available
- Please check the official website for the latest information.
Public Transportation:
- Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from Katsuyama Station on the Echizen Railway Katsuyama-Eiheiji Line
- Community bus available (limited service; please check beforehand)
By Car:
- Approximately 15 minutes from Katsuyama IC on the Chubu Jukan Expressway
- Free parking available (large buses can be parked)
Accessibility Information:
- Elevators are available to access each floor.
- Wheelchair accessible for visitors.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Katsuyama City has many tourist attractions besides those related to Katsuyama Castle.
Heisenji Hakusan Shrine: A beautiful ancient temple with a moss-covered approach, within walking distance of the Katsuyama Castle Museum. Designated a national historical site, it retains the remains of a medieval religious city.
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum: One of the world’s three largest dinosaur museums, Katsuyama City is famous as a dinosaur fossil excavation site. Many tourists visit it in conjunction with the Katsuyama Castle Museum.
Echizen Ono Castle: A castle located in Ono City, next to Katsuyama City, known as the “Castle in the Sky.” Its appearance floating above the sea of clouds is beautiful, making it a must-see spot for castle enthusiasts.
Ski Jam Katsuyama: One of the largest ski resorts in Western Japan, where you can enjoy winter sports during the winter season.
Accommodation
There are several accommodation options in Katsuyama City.
Katsuyama New Hotel: A business hotel located near Katsuyama Station, conveniently situated for sightseeing.
Yonei Ryokan: A ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) renowned for its cuisine using local ingredients.
Other options include hot spring inns and guesthouses, allowing you to choose according to your preferred style of stay.
Points to Note When Visiting Katsuyama Castle
Tips for Historical Walking
When visiting the Katsuyama Castle ruins (castle site monument), pay attention to the surrounding townscape. The current city’s road layout partially retains traces of the castle town era. Walking around the city hall area and imagining the locations of the former main keep and second bailey will allow you to feel the history more deeply.
At the Katsuyama Castle Museum, you can learn about the lives and battles of samurai from the Sengoku period to the Edo period through the exhibited armor and battle screens. The museum has particularly extensive exhibits on the history of the Hokuriku region, making it a valuable facility for understanding the history of Echizen Province.
Photo Spot
The exterior of Katsuyama Castle Museum, towering amidst the rural landscape, is extremely photogenic. Especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season, you can take beautiful photos of the contrast between the surrounding nature and the castle tower.
The view from the observation room is also recommended for photography. You can take panoramic photos of the Hakusan mountain range and the city of Katsuyama.
Estimated Visiting Time
- Katsuyama Castle Ruins (Castle Site Monument): Approximately 15-30 minutes
- Katsuyama Castle Museum: Approximately 1-2 hours
If visiting both, it’s best to allow about half a day, including travel time. If combining with other nearby tourist spots, it’s recommended to spend a full day exploring at a leisurely pace.
Historical Significance of Katsuyama Castle
Katsuyama Castle is a castle that witnessed the transitions between three regimes in Echizen Province: the Oda regime, the Toyotomi regime, and the Tokugawa shogunate. From its construction by Shibata Katsuyasu to the rule of the Ogasawara clan, Katsuyama Castle served as the political, military, and economic center of the region for approximately 300 years.
In particular, the Katsuyama Domain during the Edo period, despite being a small domain, developed the silk weaving industry and implemented its own unique administrative system. The stable rule of the Ogasawara clan over nine generations greatly contributed to the cultural development of the region.
Although the castle’s remains are now gone, its history is preserved in the form of the Katsuyama Castle Museum. The castle tower, boasting the tallest height in Japan, plays an important role not only as a tourist attraction but also as a place for local history education.
Summary
Katsuyama Castle in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, is a historic castle that began with its construction by Shibata Katsuyasu during the Sengoku period and functioned as the administrative center of the Katsuyama Domain during the Edo period. While the remains were lost after the castle’s abandonment following the Meiji Restoration, a castle site monument preserves its history.
Meanwhile, the Katsuyama Castle Museum, with its castle tower-style architecture boasting the tallest height in Japan, has become a new symbol of Katsuyama City. The extensive collection and magnificent architecture leave a lasting impression on visitors.
When visiting Katsuyama, you can enjoy a fulfilling journey of history, culture, and nature by reflecting on history at the castle ruins monument, learning about the samurai culture of Echizen at the museum, and also enjoying the surrounding nature and the dinosaur museum. Katsuyama Castle and the Katsuyama Castle Museum are well worth a visit as a destination for those seeking to experience the history of Echizen Province.
