Yonezawa Shinden Domain Jinya Ruins (Yamagata Prefecture): The History of a Branch Domain of the Uesugi Family and the Complete Extent of the Second Enclosure Remains
Located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, the Yonezawa Shinden Domain Jinya Ruins are an important historical site for understanding the history of Japanese domain administration, as they are the remains of the domain office of a branch domain of the Uesugi family established in the mid-Edo period. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the history of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain from its establishment to the present day, the structure of the Jinya, and the highlights of the site.
Establishment of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain and Historical Background
Establishment of the Domain in 1719
The Yonezawa Shinden Domain was established in 1719 (Kyoho 4), when Uesugi Katsuchika, the younger brother of Uesugi Yoshinori, the lord of the Yonezawa Domain, received a grant of 10,000 koku from the main domain. This period also marked the beginning of the Kyoho Reforms by Tokugawa Yoshimune, the 8th shogun of the Edo shogunate, and the financial reconstruction of each domain was a crucial issue.
Uesugi Katsuchika adopted the title of Suruga-no-kami, and subsequent lords of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain became known as the “Suruga-no-kami family.” The establishment of this branch domain is believed to have aimed at maintaining the Uesugi family’s status and ensuring the stability of the clan.
Unique Domain System: A Branch Domain Without its Own Territory
The most distinctive feature of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain was that it did not possess independent territory or castle grounds. While it had a stipend of 10,000 koku, this was distributed from the entire territory of the Yonezawa Domain, and it did not directly govern any specific region.
This form is called “internal division of territory,” and it operated entirely within the governing structure and financial system of the main Yonezawa Domain. The lord’s residence was located in the second bailey of Yonezawa Castle, and it effectively functioned as a branch of the Yonezawa Domain.
The Role of the Jinya (Fortified Residence) in the Second Bailey of Yonezawa Castle
Structure of Yonezawa Castle and the Second Bailey
Yonezawa Castle was a flatland castle consisting of the Honmaru (main bailey), Ninomaru (second bailey), and Sannomaru (third bailey), serving as the residence of the Uesugi family in Dewa Province (present-day Yamagata Prefecture). The Honmaru housed the lord’s residence, and a shrine dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin was built in the southeastern corner. It did not have a main keep; instead, two three-story corner turrets (Gosankai) were located in the northeast and northwest.
The Ninomaru (second bailey) surrounded the Honmaru, and contained the residences of important retainers and the domain’s facilities. The Jinya of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain was also located in this Ninomaru, serving as the domain’s administrative center.
Functions and Role of the Jinya
The Yonezawa Shinden Domain Jinya served as both the lord’s residence and an administrative body for conducting domain affairs. However, as mentioned earlier, since it did not possess an independent territory, its main role differed from that of a typical domain government. It primarily involved managing the retainers, distributing finances, and executing ceremonial events.
It is believed that the domain’s residence, retainers’ quarters, and a study for storing documents were located within the jinya (domain office), but no detailed floor plan exists.
Successive Lords and the Evolution of Domain Administration
First Lord: Uesugi Katsuchika
Uesugi Katsuchika, the first lord, was born the younger brother of Uesugi Yoshinori, the lord of the Yonezawa Domain, and took the title of Suruga-no-kami. He served for 45 years, from the division of the domain in 1719 (Kyoho 4) until 1764 (Meiwa 1), laying the foundation for the branch domain.
Succession of the Domain and the End of the Edo Period
The Yonezawa Shinden Domain continued to exist until the Meiji Restoration, and successive lords managed the domain’s administration while maintaining close ties with the main Yonezawa Domain family. During the Boshin War at the end of the Edo period, the Yonezawa Domain joined the Ouetsu Reppan Alliance, and the Yonezawa Shinden Domain also acted in their place.
With the abolition of the feudal domains in 1871 (Meiji 4), the Yonezawa Shinden Domain was abolished, bringing its approximately 150-year history to an end.
Current Site of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain’s Jinya (fortified residence)
Current Status of the Ninomaru Site
Currently, the Ninomaru site of Yonezawa Castle is divided into several facilities. The main facilities include:
Former Uesugi Count’s Residence: Built as the residence of the Uesugi family from the Meiji era onward, it is now open to the public as a nationally registered tangible cultural property.
Denkoku no Mori (Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum): A museum exhibiting cultural properties and historical materials related to the Uesugi family, housing national treasures such as the Uesugi-bon Rakuchu Rakugai-zu folding screen.
Matsugasaki Shrine: This shrine, dedicated to figures such as Uesugi Kenshin, Uesugi Yozan, and Naoe Kanetsugu, is located in a corner of the former main keep of Yonezawa Castle.
Presence of Remains
Unfortunately, no clear remains of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain’s encampment have been confirmed to date. Due to the demolition of the castle after the Meiji Restoration and subsequent urban development, buildings, stone walls, and other structures have been lost.
Because the entire second bailey site is covered by later buildings, archaeological excavations have been limited. However, the possibility of some remains existing underground has been suggested.
Traces of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain at Rinsenji Temple
Rinsenji Temple: Cemetery of the Uesugi Family and Retainers of the Yonezawa Domain
Rinsenji Temple, located in Yonezawa City, houses the cemetery of the Uesugi family and retainers of the Yonezawa Domain, and is a designated historical site of Yamagata Prefecture. In this cemetery, the Suruga-no-kami family of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain is positioned on the highest level.
Style of Burial Grounds
At Rinsenji Temple’s cemetery, the style of burial grounds differed according to social status. The burial grounds of the Suruga-no-kami family of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain employ a “temple-type structure + small five-tiered pagoda” style, indicating treatment equivalent to that of the lord’s wife and her children. This fact demonstrates the high status the Yonezawa Shinden Domain maintained within the Uesugi family.
The cemetery contains the remains of successive heads of the Suruga-no-kami family and their families, allowing us to confirm the continuation of the family lineage throughout the Edo period.
Historical Walk at Yonezawa Castle Ruins and Matsugamisaki Park
Overview of Matsugamisaki Park
The site of the main keep of Yonezawa Castle is now developed as Matsugamisaki Park. The water-filled moat evokes the former Yonezawa Castle, and it is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
Within the park are Uesugi Shrine, dedicated to Uesugi Kenshin, and Matsugasaki Shrine, dedicated to Uesugi Yozan and Naoe Kanetsugu, with numerous historical sites scattered throughout that allow visitors to experience the history of the Uesugi family.
Connection to the Yonezawa Shinden Domain’s Jinya Site
Matsugasaki Park is within walking distance of the Ninomaru (second bailey) area. When visiting the current Denkoku-no-Mori or the former Uesugi Count’s Residence, imagining the Yonezawa Shinden Domain’s jinya (fortified residence) once standing on this site while strolling will provide a deeper understanding of the history.
Relationship between the Yonezawa Domain and the Yonezawa Shinden Domain
History of the Main Domain
The Yonezawa Domain began in 1601 when Uesugi Kagekatsu, whose domain in Aizu was drastically reduced from 1.2 million koku to 300,000 koku after the Battle of Sekigahara, entered Yonezawa. Remarkably, despite the nearly 80% reduction in their domain, the Uesugi family retained 5,000 of their former vassals.
As a result, the Yonezawa Domain suffered from chronic financial difficulties, which later necessitated administrative reforms by Uesugi Yozan.
Significance of the Establishment of a Branch Domain
The establishment of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain took place amidst these financial difficulties. While the distribution of 10,000 koku was a significant burden, it played a crucial role in maintaining the Uesugi family’s status and strengthening family unity.
The fact that the branch domain did not possess independent territories is thought to be a strategy for efficiently managing limited financial resources.
Access and Visiting Information
Access to Yonezawa Castle Ruins and Matsugamisaki Park
By Train:
- Approximately 25 minutes on foot from JR Yonezawa Station
- Approximately 10 minutes by the city loop bus “clockwise” from JR Yonezawa Station, get off at “Uesugi Shrine” bus stop.
By Car:
- Approximately 10 minutes from the Yonezawa Chuo Interchange on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway
- Parking: Several free parking lots are available around Matsugamisaki Park.
Facilities in the Ninomaru Ruins Area
Denkoku no Mori (Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum):
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
- Closed: Fourth Wednesday of the month (or the following day if it’s a public holiday), New Year holidays
- Admission Fee: Permanent exhibition: General 410 yen, High school/University students 200 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 100 yen
Former Uesugi Count’s Residence:
- Opening Hours: Varies by facility (follows restaurant operating hours)
- Exterior views of the buildings are available at any time.
Points to Note When visiting the Yonezawa Shinden Domain Jinya Site, the following points will deepen your understanding:
- Understand the extent of the Ninomaru (second bailey) site: The Ninomaru site encompasses a wide area including the current Denkoku-no-Mori, the former Uesugi Count’s Residence, and the grounds of Matsugasaki Shrine.
- Learn about history at Denkoku-no-Mori: Information about the branch domains can be obtained within the Yonezawa Domain history exhibits.
- Visit Rinsenji Temple: Seeing the actual burial grounds of the Suruga-no-Kami family of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain will give you a real sense of the domain’s existence. Rinsenji Temple is approximately a 10-minute drive from Matsugasaki Park.
- Stroll through Matsugasaki Park: Understanding the relative positions of the Honmaru (main bailey) and Ninomaru (second bailey) will give you a comprehensive understanding of Yonezawa Castle.
Related Historical Sites in the Surrounding Area
Sites Associated with the Uesugi Family in Yonezawa City
Uesugi Family Mausoleum: The burial ground of successive feudal lords, designated as a national historic site. Surrounded by cedar trees, the mausoleums of the first lord, Kagekatsu, to the twelfth lord, Nariaki, are neatly arranged in a solemn atmosphere.
Kasugayama Rinsenji Temple: A Yonezawa relocation of the temple founded by Uesugi Kenshin at the foot of Kasugayama Castle in Echigo Province. Numerous cultural artifacts related to Kenshin and the Uesugi family remain.
Tateyama Castle Ruins: A mountain castle that functioned as a branch castle of Yonezawa Castle. This historic site is believed to be either the retirement residence of Date Terumune or the residence of Nitta Kagetuna. It offers a panoramic view of Yonezawa city.
Castle Historical Sites in the Okitama Region
The Okitama region, including Yonezawa City, has many castle historical sites dating from the medieval to early modern periods. Visiting this site in conjunction with the Yonezawa Shinden Domain’s Jinya (fortified residence) ruins will deepen your understanding of the samurai culture of this region.
Current Status and Challenges of Yonezawa Shinden Domain Research
Limitations of Historical Materials
Many historical materials concerning the Yonezawa Shinden Domain are fragmentarily recorded within the overall records of the Yonezawa Domain, and detailed records of it as an independent domain are limited. This reflects the fact that the branch domain was integrated into the administrative structure of the main domain.
The Need for Archaeological Investigation
Excavation of the Ninomaru (second enclosure) site is difficult due to the existence of current facilities. However, it is hoped that detailed archaeological investigations will be conducted when any construction work is carried out in the future.
The discovery of potentially buried remains would greatly contribute to clarifying the true nature of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain.
The Edo Period Domain System as Shown by the Yonezawa Shinden Domain
Diverse Forms of Branch Domains
Branch domains in the Edo period took various forms. Some branch domains possessed independent territories and castles, while others, like the Yonezawa-Shinden Domain, were integrated into the structure of the main domain.
This diversity arose from the circumstances of each daimyo family, their relationship with the shogunate, and the historical background of the region. The case of the Yonezawa-Shinden Domain demonstrates the ingenuity of the Uesugi family in maintaining their status amidst financial difficulties.
Implications for the Modern Age
The history of the Yonezawa-Shinden Domain reveals wisdom in maintaining organization and family unity within limited resources. Its balance of independence and integration offers valuable insights for modern organizational management.
Summary: Historical Value of the Yonezawa-Shinden Domain Site
Although the physical remains of the Yonezawa-Shinden Domain site are not clearly visible, it is an important historical site that demonstrates the diversity of the domain system during the Edo period. Its history, existing as a branch domain of the Uesugi family for approximately 150 years from its establishment in 1719 until the Meiji Restoration, is closely intertwined with the history of the entire Yonezawa Domain.
When visiting the current site of the second bailey of Yonezawa Castle, particularly the area where Denkoku-no-Mori and the former residence of Count Uesugi are located, remembering that this was once the site of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain’s administrative office will provide a deeper understanding of its history. Furthermore, visiting the cemetery at Rinsenji Temple allows you to truly feel the existence of the Suruga-no-Kami family.
When visiting Yonezawa City in Yamagata Prefecture, paying attention to the history of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain, a branch domain, alongside the historical sites of famous figures such as Uesugi Kenshin and Uesugi Yozan, will allow you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the realities of samurai society during the Edo period. Although there are few visible remains of the Yonezawa Shinden Domain’s administrative headquarters, it is an important historical site indispensable to understanding Japanese history.
