Kyoto Shinjo: The Last Castle of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the Full Extent of the Remains Revealed by Archaeological Excavations
What is Kyoto Shinjo?
Kyoto Shinjo (京都新城) is a castle-like residence built in 1597 by Taiko Toyotomi Hideyoshi southeast of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Historical records refer to it by various names, including “Taiko’s Residence,” “Shinjo,” “Hideyori-kyo Castle,” “Taiko’s Palace,” and “Taiko’s Kamigyo Residence.”
After demolishing Jurakudai, Toyotomi Hideyoshi established this castle as his new base in Kyoto, built as a residence for his son, Toyotomi Hideyori. Located on the site of the current Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, it was long considered a “phantom castle,” but archaeological excavations conducted from 2019 to 2020 scientifically proved its existence and scale.
Historical Background of the Construction of Kyoto’s New Castle
The Demolition of Jurakudai and the Inevitability of the New Castle Construction
In 1591, Toyotomi Hideyoshi relinquished the position of Regent to his adopted son, Toyotomi Hidetsugu, and reigned as Taiko (Regent). However, in 1595, the so-called “Hidetsugu Incident” occurred. Hidetsugu was suspected of rebellion and committed seppuku (ritual suicide) at Mount Koya, and his family was also executed. Following this incident, Jurakudai, Hidetsugu’s castle, was thoroughly demolished.
After the demolition of Jurakudai, Hideyoshi needed a new base for the Toyotomi family in Kyoto. In particular, he needed to build a new castle in a location that prioritized relations with the Imperial Court, considering the future of his own son, Hideyori.
Construction Process and Duration
Construction of Kyoto’s New Castle began in April 1597 and was completed in just about five months. This astonishing speed speaks to the immense power of Hideyoshi and the scale of the personnel and resources mobilized from across the country.
In September of the same year, Hideyoshi and Hideyori stayed there, and on September 27th, Hideyori entered the Imperial Court from this new castle, underwent his coming-of-age ceremony, and was appointed Junior Fourth Rank, Lower Grade, Lieutenant General of the Left Division of the Imperial Guard. Although Hideyori was only four years old at the time, this ceremony was a crucial political event that recognized his position as the successor to the Toyotomi family with the Imperial Court.
Structure and Characteristics of Kyoto Shinjo Castle
Scale and Placement as a Castle
Kyoto Shinjo Castle was located close to the southeast of the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Dairi). This location demonstrated its close relationship with the Imperial Court and symbolized the authority of the Toyotomi family. As a castle-like residence, it possessed a unique structure that combined the characteristics of both a samurai castle and a court noble’s residence.
Archaeological excavations have confirmed the presence of stone walls constructed using natural stones in a rough-hewn style. This stone wall is an important historical structure demonstrating the castle-building techniques of the Toyotomi period, illustrating the high level of castle architecture at that time.
Luxurious Decorations Seen in Gold Leaf Tiles
One of the most distinctive features of Kyoto Shinjo Castle is the use of gold leaf tiles. Excavations conducted from 2019 to 2020 actually unearthed gold leaf tiles, proving the accuracy of historical records.
These tiles are believed to have been adorned with the Toyotomi family crests, the “paulownia crest” and the “chrysanthemum crest,” indicating that the castle, built for Hideyori, was decorated with luxurious and opulent ornamentation. The use of gold leaf tiles symbolizes the peak of Hideyoshi’s power and demonstrated the Toyotomi family’s prestige over the imperial court and various daimyo.
Moats and Defensive Structures
Excavations have also confirmed the remains of moats along with the stone walls. These defensive structures indicate that Kyoto Shinjo Castle was not merely a residence, but was actually designed as a castle with military functions.
The scale and layout of the moat were based on the standard design of castle architecture at the time, and it represented the culmination of the Toyotomi family’s castle construction techniques.
Changes in Kyoto Shinjo Castle and its Conversion to the Kodai-in Residence
Hideyoshi’s Death and Kita-no-Mandokoro’s Relocation
In August 1598 (Keicho 3), Toyotomi Hideyoshi died at Fushimi Castle. This was just one year after its construction. Hideyoshi himself did not move to Kyoto Shinjo Castle, mainly using Fushimi Castle as his base.
After Hideyoshi’s death, in September 1599 (Keicho 4), Kita-no-Mandokoro (Kodai-in) moved from Osaka to Kyoto Shinjo Castle in preparation for handing over the Nishinomaru of Osaka Castle to Tokugawa Ieyasu. From this point onward, Kyoto Shinjo Castle came to be known as the “Kodai-in Residence” or “Sanbongi Residence.”
The Battle of Sekigahara and the Demolition of Castle Structures
In 1600 (Keicho 5), the Battle of Sekigahara broke out. Immediately before this battle, it is believed that major defensive structures such as gates, walls, and stone walls were removed to prevent Kyoto Shinjo Castle from being used in combat.
This demolition is thought to have been at the request of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is believed to have had a political intention to diminish its function as a military base for the Toyotomi family. Although it continued to exist as the Kodai-in residence, its character as a castle was largely lost.
Construction of the Sento Imperial Palace and Complete Demolition
In 1627 (Kanei 4), the Tokugawa Shogunate selected the site of Kyoto Shinjo Castle for the construction of the Sento Imperial Palace. As a result, Kyoto Shinjo Castle was completely demolished approximately 30 years after its construction.
The fact that the Toyotomi family’s castle was replaced by an imperial palace for the Tokugawa Shogunate was a symbolic event of the change of government. At this point, all structures of Kyoto Shinjo Castle were demolished, and almost all traces of it above ground were lost.
The True Image of Kyoto Shinjo Castle Revealed by Archaeological Excavations
Overview of the 2019-2020 Archaeological Excavations
The Kyoto City Archaeological Research Institute conducted archaeological excavations within the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace grounds from November 5, 2019, to March 24, 2020. This excavation was groundbreaking in that it scientifically proved the existence of Kyoto Shinjo Castle.
The excavation uncovered stone walls built using the Nozura-zumi technique (a method of stacking natural stones), moat remains, and gold-leafed roof tiles. These discoveries provided the first archaeological evidence of the concrete appearance of Kyoto Shinjo Castle, which had previously only been known through documents and pictorial materials.
Characteristics of the Stone Walls and Construction Techniques
The excavated stone walls were constructed using the Nozura-zumi technique, where natural stones are stacked as they are. This technique is characteristic of castle architecture during the Toyotomi period, and it gives a powerful impression, different from the refined techniques of the later Edo period, such as cut-and-fitted and fitted stonework.
The scale and structure of the stone walls confirm that Kyoto Shinjo was a castle of considerable size. Furthermore, the selection and stacking of stones demonstrates advanced techniques, suggesting that Hideyoshi gathered skilled stonemasons from all over the country for its construction.
Significance of the Excavated Gold-Leaf Tiles
The discovery of gold-leaf tiles is one of the most important discoveries in the study of Kyoto Shinjo. These tiles physically prove that the description of the castle as a “magnificent and splendid castle” in historical documents was not an exaggeration.
Gold-leaf tiles are extremely expensive and require advanced techniques to produce, so their use clearly demonstrates the extent of Hideyoshi’s power and his intention to build the finest castle for Hideyori.
Structure of the Moat and Defensive System
The moat confirmed by the excavation functioned as part of the castle’s defensive system. The width, depth, and layout of the moats reveal that Kyoto Shinjo was not merely a residence, but was designed with actual military functions in mind.
However, given its location close to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, it is believed to have had stronger ceremonial and symbolic elements than being a complete military fortress.
Comparison of Kyoto Shinjo with other Toyotomi-era castles
Relationship with Jurakudai
Kyoto Shinjo was built after the demolition of Jurakudai, so the two are closely related. However, while Jurakudai had a strong character as the administrative center of the regent, Kyoto Shinjo, as Hideyori’s residence, was designed with a greater emphasis on its relationship with the imperial court.
Although Jurakudai is said to have been larger in scale, Kyoto Shinjo’s location closer to the Imperial Palace increased its political importance.
Positioning in relation to Osaka Castle and Fushimi Castle
In the castle system of the Toyotomi regime, Osaka Castle served as the center of power, Fushimi Castle as Hideyoshi’s retirement residence and base for political affairs, and Kyoto Shinjo (New Kyoto Castle) as a base for relations with the Imperial Court.
It is believed that Hideyoshi envisioned a system where he would conduct political affairs at Fushimi Castle while utilizing Kyoto Shinjo as needed. However, due to Hideyoshi’s premature death, this plan was not fully realized.
Comparison with Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603, served as the Tokugawa family’s base in Kyoto and played a similar political role to Kyoto Shinjo. Both castles chose locations close to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and shared an emphasis on relations with the Imperial Court.
However, while Nijo Castle survived throughout the Edo period and remains today as an important cultural property, Kyoto Shinjo followed a contrasting fate, being dismantled early and leaving only its ruins underground.
Current Status and Visitor Information for Kyoto Shinjo Castle
Current Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace
The site of Kyoto Shinjo Castle is now the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace. The Sento Imperial Palace is a facility of the Imperial Family and is under the management of the Imperial Household Agency. Beautiful gardens are maintained there, and it is open to the public.
The gardens of the Sento Imperial Palace are said to have been created by Kobori Enshu in the early Edo period and are highly regarded as a strolling garden. The remains of Kyoto Shinjo Castle lie underground, but it is difficult to confirm their traces from above ground.
Access Information
Access to the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace is as follows:
Location: Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Public Transportation:
- Approximately 10-minute walk from Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
- Approximately 15-minute walk from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
- Approximately 5-minute walk from the Karasuma Marutamachi bus stop
Visiting Information:
Advance reservations are required to visit the Sento Imperial Palace. Reservations can be made through the Imperial Household Agency’s website or at their office. Visiting is free, but it is a guided tour; independent exploration is not permitted.
Nearby Historical Sites
When visiting Kyoto Shinjo, we recommend also visiting nearby historical sites related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi:
Kyoto Imperial Palace: The emperor’s residence built adjacent to Kyoto Shinjo. Open to visitors.
Toyokuni Shrine: A shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Located in Higashiyama-ku.
Kodai-ji Temple: A temple built by Kita-no-Mandokoro (Kodai-in) to commemorate Hideyoshi.
Hoko-ji Temple: The site of the Great Buddha Hall built by Hideyoshi. Famous for its “National Peace and Security” bell.
The Significance of Kyoto Shinjo Castle in Japanese History
A Political Symbol of the End of the Toyotomi Regime
Kyoto Shinjo Castle, built in the final years of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s life, symbolizes the end of the Toyotomi regime. Amidst the political turmoil following the Hideyoshi incident, Hideyoshi attempted to establish a base in Kyoto to secure Hideyori’s future.
However, due to Hideyoshi’s death and subsequent changes in the political situation, Kyoto Shinjo Castle disappeared from history after only 30 years, without fulfilling its original purpose. This short lifespan can be seen as symbolizing the transience of the Toyotomi regime itself.
Place in the History of Castle Architecture
Kyoto Shinjo Castle holds a significant position as the culmination of Toyotomi period castle architecture techniques. It embodies the unique architectural style of the Toyotomi era, including the use of gold-leaf tiles and rough-hewn stone walls, making it a valuable example of the transitional period to Edo period castle architecture.
The remains revealed by archaeological excavations reveal specific architectural techniques and design philosophies that could not be known from written records alone, making it extremely important material for the study of Japanese castle history.
From a Phantom Castle to Proof of Existence
For a long time, Kyoto Shinjo Castle was a “phantom castle,” recorded only in written documents and pictorial materials. However, the 2019-2020 excavation survey scientifically proved its existence, a significant achievement in the history of Japanese archaeology.
This discovery not only confirms the reliability of written records but also suggests the possibility that undiscovered historical remains lie buried underground. The successful excavation of Kyoto Shinjo Castle offers new hope for future historical research and archaeological investigations. ## Kyoto Shinjo Castle as Seen in Historical Documents and Pictorial Materials
Descriptions in Contemporary Historical Materials
Several contemporary historical documents concerning Kyoto Shinjo Castle remain. Diaries of court nobles, such as the *Gonkei-kyo Ki* and *Tokiyoshi-kyo Ki*, meticulously record details of the castle’s construction and Hideyori’s coming-of-age ceremony.
These documents confirm that Kyoto Shinjo Castle was referred to by various names, including “Taiko’s Residence,” “Shinjo Castle,” and “Hideyori-kyo Castle.” Fragmentary information regarding the construction period, scale, and materials used is also recorded.
Analysis of Pictorial Materials
Kyoto Shinjo Castle may also be depicted in old maps of Kyoto and pictorial materials such as the *Rakuchu Rakugai-zu* folding screens. However, due to its short lifespan, depictions that clearly identify Kyoto Shinjo Castle are limited.
Research continues to estimate the location and scale of Kyoto Shinjo Castle by meticulously analyzing illustrations depicting the area around the Kyoto Imperial Palace before the construction of the Sento Imperial Palace.
Future Research Topics and Prospects
Potential of Unexcavated Areas
The 2019-2020 excavation survey was conducted only in a portion of the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, and the complete picture of Kyoto Shinjo Castle has not yet been revealed. There is a possibility that important remains that have not yet been discovered lie dormant in other areas of the site.
Further excavation surveys, if opportunities arise, are expected to clarify the overall structure and detailed design of Kyoto Shinjo Castle.
Contribution to Toyotomi Period Castle Research
Research on Kyoto Shinjo Castle will deepen our understanding of castle architecture as a whole during the Toyotomi period. Comparative studies with castles such as Jurakudai, Osaka Castle, and Fushimi Castle will provide a more detailed explanation of the development process of Toyotomi regime castle policies and architectural technology.
In particular, analysis of specific architectural elements, such as the use of gold-leaf tiles and stone wall construction techniques, will provide clues to understanding the technological level and the actual state of craftsman organizations at the time.
Challenges of Preservation and Utilization
The remains of Kyoto Shinjo Castle are currently preserved underground at the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace. Due to its nature as an Imperial facility, large-scale archaeological excavations and public access are restricted, but it is necessary to properly preserve it as an important historical heritage site.
In the future, it is hoped that research and public access methods that do not involve physical excavation will be developed, such as using the latest non-destructive testing techniques to understand the underground remains in detail and creating reconstructed images using digital technology.
Summary
Kyoto Shinjo (New Kyoto Castle) occupies a unique position in Japanese history as a castle-like residence built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in his final years. Despite its short existence of only 30 years, its historical significance is extremely great.
It was built as the Toyotomi family’s Kyoto base after the destruction of Jurakudai, served as the stage for the important ceremony of Hideyori’s coming-of-age, was used as the residence of Kita-no-Mandokoro after Hideyoshi’s death, and was finally dismantled by the Tokugawa shogunate and replaced by the Sento Imperial Palace, thus symbolizing a turbulent era.
The 2019-2020 excavation survey scientifically proved the existence of Kyoto Shinjo Castle, long considered a “phantom castle,” a significant achievement in the history of Japanese archaeology. The discovery of gold-leafed roof tiles and rough-hewn stone walls corroborates historical records and demonstrates the high level of castle construction technology during the Toyotomi period.
Currently, the site of Kyoto Shinjo Castle is home to the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace, a beautifully maintained garden open to the public. While it’s difficult to imagine its former appearance from above ground, the remains lying beneath quietly convey Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s final dream and a turning point in history.
When visiting Kyoto, be sure to visit the Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace and reflect on the history of Kyoto Shinjo Castle, Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s last castle.
