Honjo Castle (Akita Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Structure, Highlights, and Access Information
Located in the heart of Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, Honjo Castle is a hilltop castle that served as the administrative center of the Honjo Domain during the Edo period. Also known as Tsurumai Castle, Ozaki Castle, and Honjo Castle, it is now a popular park for locals. The earthworks and moats remain in excellent condition, making it a valuable historical site that conveys the history of the Yuri region.
Overview and Features of Honjo Castle
Honjo Castle is a hilltop castle built on a hill approximately 30m above sea level with a relative height of 30m, situated at a strategically important location near the mouth of the Koyoshi River. The castle’s most distinctive feature is its structure, which primarily utilizes earthworks rather than stone walls. This is a common characteristic of castles in the Tohoku region, and Honjo Castle is known as a typical example.
The current Honjo Park retains well-preserved earthworks and moats from its heyday, allowing visitors to understand the scale and structure of the castle. Located in the heart of the city, yet maintaining a lush green environment, it serves as a place of relaxation for citizens and a site for historical learning.
History of Honjo Castle
Construction and the Era of Tateoka Mitsushige
Construction of Honjo Castle began in 1603 (Keicho 8). Tateoka Mitsushige, a senior retainer of Mogami Yoshiaki, was granted 45,000 koku of land in Yuri County for his achievements in the Battle of Sekigahara and was appointed to this area. Tateoka Mitsushige completed Honjo Castle over approximately nine years, until 1612 (Keicho 17).
The original Honjo Castle by Tateoka Mitsushige is believed to have been larger in scale and had a vast layout than later castles. The development of the castle town progressed, laying the foundation for its development as the political and economic center of the Yuri region.
The Dispossession of the Mogami Clan and the Era of Honda Masazumi
However, in 1622 (Genna 8), when the Mogami clan was dispossessed of their territory, Tateoka Mitsushige was also implicated and lost his domain. Subsequently, Honda Masazumi, the lord of Utsunomiya Domain, was dispossessed of his territory and placed under the custody of the Satake clan, moving to Honjo. Honda Masazumi was confined to Honjo from 1623 (Genna 9) to 1637 (Kanei 14), and ended his life there.
Despite his confinement, Masazumi is said to have had a certain influence on the development of Honjo town, making him a unique figure in the region’s history.
The Arrival of the Rokugo Clan and the Establishment of Domain Administration
In 1623 (Genna 9), around the same time as Honda Masazumi’s confinement, Rokugo Masanori was appointed to Honjo from Hitachi Province with a 10,000 koku stipend. The Rokugo clan was a local powerful family that held influence in the Yuri region since the Sengoku period, and they migrated from Rokugo in Senboku District.
The Rokugo clan ruled the Honjo Domain, with Honjo Castle as its domain office. However, the castle was reduced in size from its original construction by Tateoka Mitsushige, and redesigned to a more practical scale. This reduction is thought to be due to the Edo shogunate’s “One Castle Per Province” decree and financial reasons.
Honjo Domain in the Edo Period
The Rokugo clan ruled the Honjo Domain for 11 generations, continuing until the Meiji Restoration. Although the domain’s rice yield was small at 10,000 koku, it was a central domain in the Yuri region and contributed to the development of the region’s politics, economy, and culture.
The Honjo Domain faced the Sea of Japan and prospered as a port of call for Kitamae-bune (northern route trading ships). Trade with the Kyoto-Osaka and Hokuriku regions flourished through maritime transport, and merchants and artisans gathered in the castle town, bringing economic prosperity.
After the Meiji Restoration and the Present
After the Meiji Restoration, the Honjo Domain was abolished due to the abolition of the feudal system and the establishment of prefectures, and Honjo Castle was also abandoned. While the castle’s buildings were demolished, the basic structures such as earthworks and moats remained.
In the Showa era, the castle site was developed into Honjo Park, becoming a place of recreation for citizens. In 1994, the main gate was reconstructed on the site of the third bailey, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of the past. Even today, it remains a historical symbol of Yurihonjo City, cherished by many citizens and tourists.
Structure of Honjo Castle
Layout and Arrangement of Enclosures
Honjo Castle is a flatland castle that skillfully utilizes the hilly terrain, with a layout of interconnected enclosures centered around the main bailey, second bailey, and third bailey. The central part of the castle corresponds to the current Honjo Park, and the Yurihonjo City Hall is also located within this castle grounds.
The main bailey is located at the highest point of the castle and housed the lord’s residence and government offices. The second bailey was located north of the main bailey and housed the residences of senior retainers and important facilities of the domain. The third bailey further surrounded the castle, forming the boundary with the castle town.
When Tateoka Mitsushige first built the castle, the castle grounds covered a much larger area. However, during the time of the Rokugo clan, it was reduced to a more practical size. This reduction likely made maintenance easier and reduced the financial burden on the small Honjo domain.
Characteristics of Earthworks and Moats
The most distinctive feature of Honjo Castle is its defensive structure, which relies almost entirely on earthworks rather than stone walls. Even today, earthworks several meters high remain in excellent condition within Honjo Park, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale of the castle.
The earthworks were carefully constructed using the rammed earth method and have withstood hundreds of years of weathering. While it is believed that walls and watchtowers once stood on top of the earthworks, they are now overgrown with trees, creating a lush green landscape.
The castle’s moats consisted of a combination of water and dry moats, strengthening its defenses. Some of the moats still remain today, allowing visitors to imagine the castle’s appearance in its heyday. The moats around the main keep, in particular, are relatively well-preserved and are a highlight.
Buildings and Facilities
During the Edo period, Honjo Castle had a residence for the feudal lord in the main keep. Defensive structures such as turrets and gates were also strategically placed throughout the castle. However, after the Meiji Restoration, all of these structures were demolished and no longer exist.
The Otemon Gate, reconstructed in 1994 on the site of the third bailey, is a reconstructed castle gate built using traditional techniques. This Otemon Gate serves as a symbol of Honjo Castle and the entrance to Honjo Park, welcoming many visitors.
Highlights of Honjo Castle
Castle Ruins Developed as Honjo Park
The Honjo Castle ruins have been developed into Honjo Park, a place of relaxation for citizens. The park features well-maintained walking paths, allowing visitors to explore the castle ruins while walking along the earthworks and moats. In spring, the park is renowned for its cherry blossoms, making it a popular spot for flower viewing.
Information boards explaining the castle’s history are installed throughout the park, allowing even first-time visitors to understand the history and structure of Honjo Castle. From the park’s elevated area, visitors can enjoy views of Yurihonjo city and the Sea of Japan, allowing them to imagine the scenery seen by the castle’s lords in the past.
Existing Earthworks and Moats
The most noteworthy remains of Honjo Castle are the well-preserved earthworks. The earthworks around the main keep are particularly well-preserved, with continuous ramparts reaching several meters in height. The scale of these earthworks demonstrates the considerable defensive capabilities of Honjo Castle.
Parts of the moats also remain, particularly the moat north of the main keep, which retains much of its original appearance. Some sections functioned as water moats, making them valuable remains for understanding the castle’s defensive structure.
Reconstructed Otemon Gate
The Otemon Gate, standing on the site of the third bailey, is a castle gate that was reconstructed in 1994. Built using traditional wooden construction techniques, it recreates the atmosphere of the castle gate in its heyday.
The Otemon Gate is an iconic structure of Honjo Park and a popular spot for many tourists to take commemorative photos. Passing through the gate and entering the castle grounds allows you to relive the feelings of the people who lived in the castle town in its heyday.
Stone Monuments and Information Boards
Within Honjo Park, there are several stone monuments and information boards that tell the history of Honjo Castle. They provide explanations about Tateoka Mitsushige and the Rokugo clan, as well as detailed information about the castle’s structure and historical changes, making your stroll through the castle ruins more fulfilling.
In particular, there is a large information board at the site of the main bailey that explains the castle’s overview, including a layout map and a historical timeline. By using these information boards as a reference while exploring, you can deepen your understanding of Honjo Castle.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Yurihonjo Castle Town
Around Honjo Castle, remnants of an Edo-period castle town remain. Within walking distance of Honjo Park, former samurai residences and merchant buildings are scattered, allowing visitors to enjoy a historical stroll.
The castle town is laid out in a grid pattern, showcasing the traces of planned urban development. Even today, shops and cafes utilize old buildings, allowing visitors to enjoy a historical atmosphere while strolling.
Historical Sites Related to Kitamae-bune Ships
Yurihonjo City faces the Sea of Japan and flourished as a port of call for Kitamae-bune ships during the Edo period. The city has historical sites and museums related to Kitamae-bune ships, allowing visitors to learn about the history of trade through maritime transport.
The prosperity of Honjo Castle Town is closely related to trade by Kitamae-bune ships, and visiting both the castle town and the port provides a deeper understanding of the economic foundation of the Honjo Domain.
Other Castle Ruins in Yurihonjo City
Besides Honjo Castle, many other castle ruins remain in and around Yurihonjo City. The ruins of the castles of the Twelve Lords of Yuri, powerful clans who ruled the Yuri region during the Sengoku period, are scattered throughout the area, making it a great place for castle tours.
In particular, the ruins of Rokugo Castle, the original base of the Rokugo clan, and the castle ruins of the Akaotsu clan, a powerful clan in the Yuri region, are interesting historical sites for understanding the history of Honjo Castle.
Access Information
Access by Train
Honjo Castle (Honjo Park) is approximately a 10-minute walk from Ugo-Honjo Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line. Heading north from the station through the city center will lead you to the entrance of Honjo Park.
Ugo-Honjo Station is approximately 40 minutes from Akita Station by limited express train and about 1 hour by local train. Day trips from Akita City are entirely feasible.
Access by Car
If you are accessing by car, it is approximately 10 minutes from the Honjo Interchange on the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway. It is also easily accessible from National Route 7; simply follow the signs to reach Honjo Park.
Honjo Park has a free parking lot with space for approximately 50 regular cars. However, during peak seasons such as cherry blossom season, the parking lot may be full, so consider using public transportation.
Address and Basic Information
- Address: Ozaki, Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture (Honjo Park)
- Opening Hours: Always open
- Admission Fee: Free
- Contact: Yurihonjo City Board of Education, Cultural Affairs Division
Cultural Property Designation and Preservation of Honjo Castle
The Honjo Castle ruins are designated as a historical site by Yurihonjo City, and the remains such as earthworks and moats are protected. The city’s Board of Education regularly maintains the site, ensuring both the preservation of the remains and its use as a park.
In recent years, detailed surveys and archaeological excavations have been conducted at the castle ruins, advancing research into the structure and history of Honjo Castle. These research findings are being used to update information boards and improve explanatory materials.
Points to Note and Recommended Seasons for Visiting
Spring Cherry Blossom Season
Honjo Park is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, and is bustling with many visitors in spring. Approximately 1000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted, creating a beautiful landscape with the contrast between the earthworks and the blossoms. The cherry blossoms typically bloom from mid- to late April, and the trees are illuminated at night during this period.
Seasons of Fresh Greenery and Autumn Leaves
Besides the spring cherry blossoms, May (when the leaves are fresh) and late October to early November (when the leaves change color) are also recommended seasons for visiting. The trees growing on the earthworks display different appearances in each season, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll through the castle ruins.
Winter Visits
Winter in Akita Prefecture brings heavy snowfall, so caution is advised when visiting during this season. Walking paths may be covered in snow, so please be very careful of your footing. However, the snow-covered castle ruins also possess a unique charm, offering a view only possible in winter.
Historical Significance of Honjo Castle
Honjo Castle played a crucial role as the political, economic, and cultural center of the Yuri region during the Edo period. Despite being a small domain, the Rokugo clan’s 11-generation rule significantly contributed to the stability and development of the region.
The castle’s structure, primarily based on earthen ramparts, clearly demonstrates the characteristics of castles in the Tohoku region and is a valuable example for castle research. Examples of well-preserved earthen castles without stone walls are rare, and the historical value of Honjo Castle is highly regarded.
Furthermore, the structure of the castle town, integrated with a thriving port town that served as a port of call for Kitamae-bune (northern trade ships), occupies an important position in regional history research as a typical example of a castle town on the Sea of Japan coast.
Summary
Honjo Castle is a valuable castle ruin remaining in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture. Built by Tateoka Mitsushige, it survived the rule of 11 generations of the Rokugo clan and is now a popular park for local residents. The earthworks and moats are well-preserved, conveying the appearance of an Edo-period castle.
It’s conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from JR Ugo-Honjo Station, making it easily accessible. While it attracts many tourists, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring, it’s a historical site where you can enjoy the beauty of each season.
When visiting Yurihonjo City, why not take a stroll through the Honjo Castle ruins and experience the history and culture of the Yuri region? Walking along the earthworks and passing through the reconstructed main gate, you’ll feel the atmosphere of an Edo-period castle town.
