Bitchu Takamatsu Castle (Okayama Prefecture) Complete Guide: A Thorough Explanation of its History and Highlights as the Stage of the Water Siege
Located in Takamatsu, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, the Bitchu Takamatsu Castle ruins are an important historical site that conveys the history of the Sengoku period. The “water siege” waged by Hashiba Hideyoshi in 1582 is known as an unprecedented tactic in the history of Japanese castles, and this site was a turning point in Japanese history. This article thoroughly explains everything you need to know before visiting, from the historical background of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle to its current highlights and access methods.
History of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle
Construction and the Era of the Mimura Clan
Bitchu Takamatsu Castle is said to have been built around 1558 by Ishikawa Hisanori, a subordinate of the Mimura clan. Located in Takamatsu, Nakajima Village, Kaya District, Bitchu Province (present-day Takamatsu, Kita Ward, Okayama City), it was a flatland castle built in a low-lying, marshy area on the left bank of the Ashimori River.
The castle’s structure was a terraced design, built with earthen ramparts rather than stone walls, and the surrounding marshland functioned as a natural moat. This topographical feature made later water sieges possible.
Shimizu Muneharu and the Seven Castles of Bitchu
Bitchu Takamatsu Castle held a strategically important position as one of the “Seven Castles of Bitchu” (the seven border castles), which marked the eastern border of the Mori clan. The castle’s lord, Shimizu Muneharu, was a samurai who served the Mori clan, and his loyalty and bravery have been passed down through generations.
The Seven Castles of Bitchu were defensive strongholds positioned by the Mori clan along the border with the Oda clan, and included, in addition to Bitchu Takamatsu Castle, Kanayama Castle, Niwase Castle, Kamo Castle, Hibata Castle, Matsushima Castle, and Kamo Castle. These castles were interconnected, forming the Mori clan’s eastern defense line.
The Water Siege of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle in 1582
Hashiba Hideyoshi (later Toyotomi Hideyoshi), acting on orders from Oda Nobunaga who aimed for the unification of Japan, invaded Bitchu Province, which was under the control of the Mori clan, in April 1582. Hideyoshi’s army of approximately 30,000 men besieged Bitchu Takamatsu Castle, but its strong fortress, surrounded by deep moats and swamps, made a direct assault difficult.
Therefore, Hideyoshi’s strategist, Kuroda Kanbei (Kuroda Yoshitaka), devised an unprecedented and ingenious strategy: a “water siege.” Using the waters of the Ashimori River, a massive embankment (Kaerugahana Embankment) approximately 3 kilometers long and 7 meters high was constructed in just 12 days.
Following the heavy rains of the rainy season, the castle was completely submerged. Approximately 5,000 soldiers were stationed inside the castle, but the water siege left them isolated and without support. During this time, the Mori clan sent approximately 40,000 reinforcements, but they were unable to break through Hideyoshi’s defenses.
The Suicide of Shimizu Muneharu and the Honnoji Incident
While the water siege continued, on June 2nd, 1582 (Tensho 10), the Honnoji Incident occurred in Kyoto, resulting in the assassination of Oda Nobunaga by Akechi Mitsuhide. Upon learning of this, Hideyoshi was compelled to urgently make peace with the Mori clan.
On June 4th, Shimizu Muneharu decided to commit suicide in exchange for the lives of his 5,000 soldiers. Muneharu boarded a small boat and calmly committed seppuku (ritual suicide) in front of both friend and foe, and his head was sent to Hideyoshi’s camp. He was 46 years old. This tragic end would be recounted to posterity as a symbol of samurai loyalty.
Following Shimizu Muneharu’s suicide, Bitchu Takamatsu Castle fell. Hideyoshi immediately returned to Kyoto in a forced march known as the “Great Return from Chugoku,” and went on to defeat Akechi Mitsuhide at the Battle of Yamazaki. The Battle of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle was a crucial turning point that paved the way for Hideyoshi’s rise to power.
Highlights of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins
Main Keep Ruins and Castle Park
The current Bitchu Takamatsu Castle ruins are designated as a national historic site and have been developed into a castle park. A burial mound for Shimizu Muneharu’s head stands on the main keep site, and a memorial service is held there every June.
Approximately 300 cherry trees are planted in the park, making it a beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. During the lotus flowering season, visitors can enjoy the waterside scenery reminiscent of the former siege by water.
Parts of the earthworks remain around the main keep site, allowing visitors to imagine the castle’s structure in its heyday. The castle, constructed using earthen ramparts rather than stone walls, is a valuable historical site demonstrating the castle-building techniques of the Bitchu region at that time.
Mound of Shimizu Muneharu’s Head
The mound of Shimizu Muneharu’s head, located on the site of the main keep, is a symbolic landmark of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle. It has been carefully preserved by local people in honor of Muneharu’s loyalty. An explanatory plaque is placed in front of the mound, detailing Muneharu’s life and the circumstances of his suicide.
Every year on June 4th, the anniversary of his death, a memorial service is held by the Shimizu Muneharu Commemoration Society, attended by many history enthusiasts and local residents. This event has continued for over 400 years and is an important opportunity to remember Muneharu’s virtues.
Remains of Kaerugahana Embankment
Approximately 500 meters southeast of the castle site, the remains of the embankment built by Hideyoshi, known as the “Kaerugahana Embankment,” can be found. Although the area is now residential and farmland, the elevation differences in the terrain allow us to appreciate the scale of the massive civil engineering works that took place there in the past.
The Kaerugahana Embankment is said to have been constructed in just 12 days, extending approximately 3 kilometers and reaching a height of about 7 meters. This is evidence of Hideyoshi’s army’s mobilization capabilities and advanced civil engineering skills. It is said that this embankment dammed the Ashimori River, turning the area around the castle into a lake with a depth of approximately 5 meters.
Bitchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins Museum
The Bitchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins Museum, located adjacent to the castle ruins park, displays detailed materials related to the water siege, excavated artifacts, and weapons from the period. Dioramas and video materials allow visitors to visually understand the water siege.
The museum also displays artifacts unearthed during excavations, such as pottery, earthenware, and musket balls, providing insight into the realities of life and warfare during the Sengoku period. Furthermore, historical documents concerning Shimizu Muneharu and materials related to the peace negotiations between Hideyoshi and the Mori clan are also on display.
Facility Information:
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday), New Year holidays
- Admission Fee: Free
- Phone Number: 086-287-5554
Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles Stamp
Bitchu Takamatsu Castle is selected as one of the “Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles,” and you can get a stamp at the Bitchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins Museum within the castle park. This is an important point of interest for castle fans and history enthusiasts, serving as a memento of their visit.
The stamp can be obtained during the museum’s opening hours; it cannot be obtained on closed days, so it is recommended to check the opening days before visiting.
Access and Surrounding Area Information
Access by Public Transportation
Using the JR Kibi Line:
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Bitchu-Takamatsu Station
- Approximately 20 minutes from JR Okayama Station to Bitchu-Takamatsu Station
The JR Kibi Line (Momotaro Line) is a local line connecting Okayama Station and Soja Station, and is a convenient route for touring historical sites in the Kibi region. Bitchu-Takamatsu Station is an unmanned station, but there are guide signs along the path from the station to the castle ruins.
Access by Car
Using the Expressway:
- Approximately 10 minutes from Okayama-Soja IC on the Okayama Expressway
- Approximately 20 minutes from Okayama IC on the Sanyo Expressway
Parking:
- Bitchu-Takamatsu Castle Ruins Park Parking Lot (Free, approximately 30 spaces)
- Several parking spaces are also available in front of the museum
The parking lot is adjacent to the castle ruins park and is easily accessible. However, it can get crowded during cherry blossom season and when events are held, so we recommend visiting earlier in the day.
Recommended Spots in the Area
Kibitsu Shrine:
Located about 10 minutes by car from Bitchu Takamatsu Castle, Kibitsu Shrine is an ancient shrine dedicated to Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto, the model for the Momotaro legend. Its highlights include the National Treasure main hall and worship hall, and the approximately 400-meter-long corridor, making it a classic sightseeing spot in the Kibiji region.
Kibitsuhiko Shrine:
This shrine is a counterpart to Kibitsu Shrine and also enshrines Kibitsuhiko-no-Mikoto. It is known for the “sunbeam” that can be seen on the summer solstice, where the rising sun shines straight from the torii gate to the main hall.
Tsukuriyama Kofun:
This is the fourth largest keyhole-shaped burial mound in Japan, constructed in the first half of the 5th century. It is one of the largest burial mounds in Japan that can be climbed, and is an important historical site demonstrating the power of the ancient clans of the Kibi region.
Ashimori Townscape:
Located approximately 5 kilometers north of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle, the Ashimori district boasts a historical townscape with Edo-period townhouses. Visitors can enjoy the site of the Kinoshita family’s (the family of Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s wife, Nene) encampment and the charming scenery of white-walled merchant houses lining the streets.
Best Season and Events for Visiting
Cherry Blossom Season (Late March to Early April)
Bitchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins Park is home to approximately 300 cherry trees, making it a magnificent cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. The cherry blossoms surrounding the main keep add a vibrant touch to the castle ruins, a scene of tragedy. The trees are sometimes illuminated at night, allowing visitors to enjoy the magical sight of cherry blossoms after dark.
Lotus Flower Season (Late June to July)
Lotus plants are planted in the rice paddies and moat areas surrounding the castle ruins, and beautiful lotus flowers bloom in early summer. The waterside scenery, reminiscent of the castle once submerged during a water siege, is a highlight unique to this time of year.
Shimizu Muneharu Memorial Festival (June 4th)
Every year on June 4th, the anniversary of Shimizu Muneharu’s death, a memorial festival is held. Local people and history enthusiasts gather to commemorate Muneharu’s loyalty. This day is enveloped in a special atmosphere, allowing visitors to feel closer to the history of the Sengoku period.
Takamatsu Castle Ruins Festival (Early June)
In early June, the “Takamatsu Castle Ruins Festival” is held, featuring a samurai procession, taiko drumming performances, and local food stalls. This history-themed event provides a great opportunity to experience the region’s culture and history.
Historical Significance of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle
One of Japan’s Three Great Water Sieges
The water siege of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle is known as one of Hideyoshi’s “Three Great Castle Sieges,” along with the “Starvation Siege of Miki” and the “Starvation Siege of Tottori.” Water sieges are an extremely rare tactic in the history of Japanese castles. Other examples include the water siege of Oshi Castle (by Ishida Mitsunari) and the water siege of Takamatsu Castle (by Mori Terumoto), but the water siege of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle is the most famous.
This tactic demonstrated the high level of strategic thinking of Hideyoshi and Kuroda Kanbei, as well as their mobilization and organizational capabilities that enabled them to accomplish large-scale civil engineering work in a short period of time.
Connection to the Honnoji Incident
The Battle of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle is closely related to the Honnoji Incident. Upon receiving information that Nobunaga had been killed during the water siege, Hideyoshi hastened to make peace with the Mori clan, concluding a peace treaty on the condition that Shimizu Muneharu commit suicide.
If Hideyoshi had continued fighting the Mori clan in Bitchu, he would not have been able to defeat Akechi Mitsuhide, and the course of history would have been drastically different. The Battle of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle was a crucial turning point that paved the way for Hideyoshi’s rise to power.
The Bushido Spirit of Shimizu Muneharu
Shimizu Muneharu’s suicide is recounted as an event symbolizing the Bushido spirit of the Sengoku period. Muneharu chose to sacrifice his own life to save the lives of 5,000 soldiers in the castle. This decision served as a model for future samurai, demonstrating loyalty to his lord and compassion for his subordinates.
Muneharu’s death poem, “Now I shall cross this fleeting world, leaving the name of a samurai in the moss of Takamatsu,” is a famous verse expressing his resolve and pride.
Points to Note When Visiting Bitchu Takamatsu Castle
Clothing and Items to Bring
The castle ruins park is on flat terrain, but you will be walking over a wide area, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. In summer, the sun is strong, so it’s a good idea to bring a hat, parasol, and drinking water.
While the museum is air-conditioned, the park is outdoors, so appropriate clothing for the season is necessary. Especially during the rainy season, we recommend bringing rain gear.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted within the castle ruins park, but some exhibits in the museum are not allowed to be photographed, so please follow the instructions inside. During cherry blossom and lotus flower seasons, many photography enthusiasts visit, so please be considerate of other visitors.
Estimated Time Required
The standard time required for visiting the castle ruins park and the museum is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. If you plan to explore the surrounding area, including the remains of the Kaerugahana Embankment, in detail, allow about two hours.
If you are visiting other historical sites in the Kibiji area, we recommend planning a half-day to full-day trip.
Gourmet Information
Okayama Local Cuisine
Around Bitchu Takamatsu Castle, you can enjoy Okayama’s local cuisine. “Barazushi” is a representative Okayama dish, consisting of vinegared rice topped with a colorful array of seasonal seafood and vegetables. “Mamakari,” pickled small fish, is also a well-known Okayama specialty.
Kibi Dango
Kibi Dango, associated with the Momotaro legend, is a classic souvenir of Kibiji tourism. It can be purchased at shops near the castle ruins and Kibitsu Shrine. It features a chewy texture and a refined sweetness, making it perfect with tea.
Ashimori Melons
The Ashimori area is known as a production area for high-quality melons, and fresh melons can be purchased at direct sales outlets during the summer. Ashimori melons, characterized by their high sugar content and rich aroma, are one of Okayama’s representative specialty products.
Summary: The Charm of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle
The Bitchu Takamatsu Castle ruins are the site where the historically significant “water siege” tactic was carried out, and the loyalty and tragedy of Shimizu Muneharu are still recounted today. Although it is now a quiet park, standing on the ground, you can feel the tense atmosphere of the Sengoku period.
With its beautiful scenery adorned with cherry blossoms and lotus flowers, the comprehensive exhibits in the museum, and its combination with the surrounding Kibiji historical sites, it is a spot that can be enjoyed not only by history buffs but also by families and tourists.
Bitchu Takamatsu Castle ruins are the site of a remarkable “water siege” tactic in Japanese history, and the loyalty and tragedy of Shimizu Muneharu are still recounted today. When visiting Okayama, be sure to stop by the Bitchu-Takamatsu Castle ruins and reflect on the ingenious strategies of Hideyoshi and Kuroda Kanbei, and the samurai spirit of Shimizu Muneharu. It will be a valuable experience where the history of the Sengoku period comes vividly to life.
Its convenient location, within walking distance of JR Bitchu-Takamatsu Station, is also a major draw. Combining it with other historical sites in the Kibiji region will make for a fulfilling trip that offers a deep understanding of Okayama’s history and culture.
