Hitoyoshi Castle: A complete overview of the 700-year-old residence of the Sara clan, history and highlights, selected from Japan’s 100 most famous castles
Hitoyoshi Castle Overview
Hitoyoshi Castle is located in Kumamoto Prefecture, and is a Japanese castle fort (Yamataki Castle) in Fushimoto-cho, Hitoyoshi City. The Kuma River was originally built as a natural defense construction by the Yosune River, and is a fortress with important historical significance.It was built from the Meiji era to the new Meiji period, and was the residence of the Sara clan for about 670 years.
The area occupied by the castle was approximately 216,000 square meters, and was designated as a national historical monument. Hitoyoshi Castle has been recognized as one of Japan’s 100 most famous castles (ranked 93rd), and is an important piece of Kumamoto’s historical past.From the perspective of a castle enthusiast and Japanese food history lover.
Hitoyoshi Castle is also known as “Moon Stronghold”, and its name is similar to that of the moonlight reflected on the surface of the Kuma River. Today, the ruins of the castle and inner temple are still perfectly preserved, and visitors can enjoy the imaginative brilliance of ancient Japan.
History of Hitoyoshi Castle Exhibition
Time period: Arrival of the Sagara clan and construction of castle ponds
The history of Hitoyoshi Castle was traced back to 1198 (9th year of research). In 2011, Minamoto no Takeo was appointed as the head of the Hitoyoshi domain in the Kuma district, where Naoto Sagara was appointed homeroom teacher. At that time, the vice-general of Pyongyang’s vice-general, Shuma-nosuke, was in charge of the construction of Ichiza-yama Castle, but the long-serving general of Pyongyang, Qi Qi, was the lord of the castle.
This title was started by the Sagara clan, Yotoyoshi Castle, a long period of history. In the early days of Hitoyoshi Castle, it was a simple mountain castle, and a large fortress with a large scale. The Sakura clan selected this land as the center of activity in the Kuma area, and it was the foundation of a 670-year-old restoration project.
Muromachi period: The fortress of the Seiichi Theater
Tatenobu, the founder of Hitoyoshi Castle in 1470 (Bunmei 2), the 12th head of the Sokusa Kara clan, and during the period of the restoration period, the mountain castle was expanded to become a large mountain castle. During this period, the Sagara clan established the Kuma district, and the demand for this demand increased and solid defense construction was completed.
In 1448, the 11th head of the Sagara clan, the 11th head of the Sagara clan, visited Hitoyoshi Castle and completed a magnificent exhibition of the history of the Muromachi period. At this time, Hitoyoshi Castle was established in a typical multi-castle structure in southern Kyushu, consisting of Hara Castle in the center, Yunakahara Castle, Shimohara Castle, Wanaijo Castle, and other castle ponds.
Era of war: Great restoration of Yoshiro Pond in the Kuma area
At the beginning of the War of Nations era, the Sagara clan was founded in the Kuma area, and the central importance of Hitoyoshi castle production and control system was prominent. In the 17th year of Tensho (1589), Chotsune Sagara went to Hitoyoshi Castle and completed a large scale repair.
At that time, the center of the castle was Uehara Castle, the mountains and valleys were separated, and the current castle tower was far away. The main gate was on the east side, the castle was constructed by the castle, and the defense work was also strengthened. At the same time, while the Sagara clan was in power and the Shimazu clan was under its control, it also remained firmly entrenched in its own power.
Edo period: Lord of the Sakutokichi domain
During the Edo period, the Sagara clan was the lord of the Hitoyoshi domain, and the castle was the lord of the Hitoyoshi domain, with a total of 22,000 koku (about 1,000 koku), and Hitoyoshi Castle. At this time, Hitoyoshi Castle was demolished and completed, and the castle tower was rebuilt.
In 1600, during the Battle of Kanbara, the Sagara clan first took charge of the Tadashi West Army, but later came to support the Eastern Army, and finally settled in the area. After this, the Meiji period was renewed, and the Sagara clan was established and became the 35th leader of this area. Now, the feudal lord family in Japan has become more established, and the Sagara clan is still firmly established.
Post-Jiang period: Great fire and final heavy construction
In the late Edo period, the Hitoyoshi Castle case was very important. A huge fire broke out and the castle was built. During the period of heavy construction after the Burning, a variety of visible stone tombs were constructed, also known as `Archive-style stone tombs'' (also known as `Bengei-style stone tombs”).
All kinds of stone monuments are used in European construction techniques, which are not capable of resisting enemy invasion, and are effective in preventing the spread of fire. In other words, this is an examination of the first advance of Western technology in the later period of the Jiangzhou era.
After the Meiji era: National history and history
In 1871 (Meiji 4), the feudal domain was abolished, the Hitoyoshi domain was discontinued, and Hitoyoshi Joya Zuino-no-no-Go was established. The modernization of the Meiji period ended with the rise of the Sagara clan in 670, and the history of Hitoyoshi Castle.
The Empress of the Castle Pond, the building of the castle, the Taishi Tomb, and the Outer Temple have all been perfectly preserved. This may be due to some minor changes in the history of the country or the designated country. Nowadays, the production of goods in Hitoyoshi City is an important source of travel resources, and it can be used for reasonable protection.
Summary of Hitoyoshi Castle
Geolocation Wafu Bureau
Hitoyoshi Castle is located in the plain castle pond where the Kumagawa River and the Yoso River exchange, and the river is used as a natural river. It has been fully utilized, and the topographical features of the Kuma River’s cliffs make it a fortress that is easy to attack and defend.
Joike Yuhonmaru (Tenjyo), two and three outer castles (Ninmaru Wasanomaru) and other outer castles in the southern part, including Uehara Castle, Nakahara Castle and Shimohara Castle. With a castle pond area of 216,000 square meters, it is one of the largest castle forts in southern Kyushu.
Tenshu Awa Main Outer Castle
The castle tower is located in the center of Useong Pond, and is the owner’s residence and administrative office. Nowadays, the magnificent scenery of the Wakumagawa River in Hitoyoshi City, in the heart of the city.
The second and third outer castles (Ninmaru Wasanomaru) were used for the defense of the main castle, and each samurai had their own residence and residence. Since the outer wall of the castle is separated from the land, its defensive ability has increased.
Features of Ishijou
The construction techniques of Hitoyoshi Castle’s stone tombs differed from time to time, so it is understood that this is a treasure trove for the exhibition of the castle fort. In the early years of the Jiang Dynasty, the construction of wildflowers (coarse stone) and Japanese hammered stone (fine stone) were used for the construction of the castle.
One of the most valuable of these is the “Gongshu stone wall,” which was built at the end of the Jiang Dynasty. The shape of this stone burial mound is unique, with the upper part protruding outward, and the enemy’s enemy sliding down as the envoy tried to attack. Based on the design and design of European castle fort construction technology, we also looked at the construction of castle forts in Japan.
Hitoyoshi Castle Ryoten
Hade Ishigaki (Bōmu)
Hitoyoshi Castle’s biggest highlight is the “Hade Ishigaki” route. After the construction of a large fire at the end of the Jiang Dynasty, its unique shape never existed in Japan. The upper part of the stone wall is protruded outward, and its angle and shape are designed to prevent the enemy from entering.
This is because the stone walls on the road are not protected by road defense construction, which prevents the fire from spreading. The implementation of the advanced fort construction technology, the practicality and defense of the equipment, and the introduction of the training course for serious fires. Nowadays, it is still in perfect condition, and visitors can visit it from a distance.
Shuite Gate Site
Mizutemen Gate is located on the banks of the Kuma River, which is an important scenic spot for Hitoyoshi Castle. The castle gate is the key to connecting the castle pond and the Kuma River waterway.
Nowadays, the remains of the castle’s walls and cliffs have been preserved, allowing visitors to visit the area near the water. A castle with a beautiful view of the surrounding area, a view of the scenery, a viewer can feel the sincerity of Hitoyoshi Castle’s creation, a natural fortification, and a clever selection. A beautiful view of the Kuma River, where you can enjoy a cruise on the Kuma River, and the ruins of the water gate.
Otemonwa Otemono Ruins
The main gate is the main gate of Hitoyoshi Castle, and it is also an unforgiving scenic spot. From the ruins of the castle gate to the present day, the stone mound is the foundation stone of the land, and the castle fort is a replica of ancient Japanese architecture.
The stone burial mounds near the main gate have been preserved in perfect condition, and the stone masonry techniques of the Edo period were observed by the messengers from a distance. Since the construction of the city gate, the movement of the inner palace, and the exquisite design of the defense construction of the city fortification has been completed.
Shingetsu Pond and Sagara Seibei’s former residence site
To the north of the castle tower, there is a famous “New Moon Pond” pond, which is actually an important water source for the castle fort. From the pond to the current residence, we will visit the former residence of Sagara Kiyoshi, and we will provide you with a life within the castle fort.
Hitoyoshi Castle History Museum
The Hitoyoshi Castle History Museum, located at the site of Bibe Castle Fortress, has detailed exhibitions of the history of the Sagara clan of Hitoyoshi Castle. Exhibited at the museum are cultural artifacts excavated from archaeological excavations, a model of the castle fort, and various materials related to the Yosara clan. Before visiting the fortress and visiting this place, you will be able to understand the history of the castle further.
The underground area has been preserved as a relic of the basement of a samurai’s residence, a rare place for missionaries, and a living space from the time of the Edo period.
The history of the Sagara clan and its rule in Hitoyoshi
Origin of the Sagara clan
The Sagara clan was originally a large and powerful family in the country. After being appointed to the Imperial Court in 1198 (9th year of study), he was a landowner in the Kuma district of Sagara. From the beginning of the Meiji period to the beginning of the Meiji period, the 35th generation of the chiefs of the district, together with a total of 670 years.
In the history of Japan, how the same family lived in the same area over a long period of time. The structure of the Sagara clan has been established and its coverage has been deep and deep in the area.
Kuma District Rehabilitation
A unique system of governance established by the Sagara clan in the Kuma district. At the time of the conquest of Muromachi, the Sagara clan was the owner of the conquered region, and was the owner of Kuma District. The presence of the Shimazu clan with great control, diplomatic skills that surpassed the support of the Sagara clan, and the fact that they still maintained their own independence.
During the Jiang Dynasty, the Sagara family owned 22,000 koku of land, promoted industrial reform, continued to encourage the sake production industry, expanded the forestry industry, and promoted the local industry. At the time of the establishment of the Sagara clan in the Hitoyoshi-Kuma area, the cultural and cultural foundations of the Hitoyoshi-Kuma area were established.
Sagara clan culture
The unique culture of the Hitoyoshi-Kuma area during the Sagara clan’s long period of fertility and fertility. Under the protection of the Sagara clan, the region’s unique cultural and cultural religious forms are exhibited, such as the Sagara Thirty-Three Pilgrimage.
In addition, the Sagara clan has been involved in the education business, built a “self-study school” belonging to the clan, and worked hard to cultivate talent. Since then, Hitoyoshi City has become the city of education and culture.
Hitoyoshi Castle 2020 Storm Damage
In July 2020, the Hitoyoshi-Kuma area encountered heavy rains, and the ruins of Hitoyoshi Castle were severely damaged. The Kuma River flowed through the water, leading to a stone burial mound, and the road leading to the castle ruins was also destroyed.
The Hitoyoshi Castle History Museum was also flooded and destroyed, and some parts were accepted as rare exhibits. The construction of Hitoyoshi Castle was completed without any damage, and the construction of Hitoyoshi City was also severely damaged.
Right now, the repair work on the current location of Hitoyoshi Castle is progressing, and the construction work on the construction of the castle’s fortifications is progressing step by step. The words of the local people, Hitoyoshi Castle is different from the history of the castle, and it is also the same image that everyone else understands, and the image that is also there.
Transportation
Fire vehicle transportation
The most recent train station from Hitoyoshi Castle is JR Kutsu Line’s “Hitoyoshi Station” or Kumagawa Railway’s “Hitoyoshi Onsen Station.” It takes approximately 20 minutes (approximately 1.3 km) to travel from the station to the fortress site. Departing from Yoshi Station, we recommend walking along the banks of the Kuma River, and the scenery along the way is beautiful.
If you are sitting at Kumamoto Station, the demand for going to Yoshijo in front of JR Luka Island main line and Kutsu line is 2 hours, and the demand for going to Yoshijo is 2.5 hours in front of Kumamoto Station.
Self-indulgence
From the Kyushu Expressway Hitoyoshi interchange road, the approximate demand is 10 minutes by car. There is a free parking lot near the Hitoyoshi Castle ruins, which can accommodate approximately 50 regular cars. However, due to the damaging effects of heavy rain, partial parking is possible and illegal use, and the pre-construction review.
Departing from Kumamoto City, National Highway 219, the demand is approximately 1.5 hours; Departing from Luji Island City, the demand is approximately 2 hours.
Inside the castle
The tour schedule is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. There are many stones in the castle, and the walking shoes are suitable for wearing in the construction. The view from the castle tower is spectacular and requires a certain amount of climbing.
Nearby tourist attractions
Hitoyoshi Onsen
Hitoyoshi Onsen Dokamura is located below Hitoyoshi Castle. A public bathing pool on the banks of the Kuma River, a hot spring inn with a public bathing pond, the castle ruins for visitors to visit, and a hot spring where you can enjoy the best of the world. Hitoyoshi Onsen is famous for its beauty and low water quality.
Aoi Aso Shrine
Aoi Aso Shrine is a designated national treasure, and the distance is approximately 15 minutes. Contributed by the Yusara clan to Kyoza Shrine, there are five buildings designated as national treasures: the main hall of Chikusa-ya, the cloister, the offering hall, and the gate of the Sanpoku-den.
Kuma River Drifting
The Kuma River is one of Japan’s three major rapids, and the drifting is a hot activity for visitors to Hitoyoshi. A thrilling stimulation of the body, a super-sensual boating technique, and a rock wall similar to Hitoyoshi Castle.
Visit to Kuma Sake Steam Room
The Hitoyoshi-Kuma area is a famous Kuma-shu (1 type steamed sake) production area. The area shares 28 steaming facilities, among them the Japanese food industry. Since the time of the Sagara clan, I have been able to make my own hot sake.
Hitoyoshi Castle’s cultural scene
Designated national cultural history
Hitoyoshi Castle remains because its historical heritage is in perfect condition for preservation and designated as a designated national historical historical site. It is understood that the southern Kyushu castle fort is an important historical site.
Japan’s 100 Famous Jonoichi
Hitoyoshi Castle is the 93rd choice of Japan’s Top 100 Great Castles, selected by the Japanese Castle Association. The selection is based on the comprehensive historical importance of the fort, the preservation status of the site, and the conquest of the area. Visitors can visit the Hitoyoshi Castle History Museum and receive the seal of “Japan’s 100 Famous Castles.”
Japanese Culture Organization Part
The ruins of Hitoyoshi Castle are an important part of the Japanese cultural heritage, “Sagara clan’s 700-year rule, conservative and nurturing new culture – Hitoyoshikuma, Japan’s richest and most secret village.” A unique regional culture formed during the long reign of the Sagara clan.
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Time to visit
If you want to fully visit Hitoyoshi Castle ruins, the construction time will be short. Visit Jinji Castle History Museum, estimated demand is 30 minutes to 1 hour. We have a satisfying time to build.
Best time to explore
Different views of Hitoyoshi Castle throughout the four seasons. In the spring, the area is a famous place of victory, and the castle is filled with various kinds of oak flowers and trees. In summer, the scenery is clear and beautiful; in autumn, the leaves are red and colorful. In winter, the air is fresh, the field is open, and the castle ruins in the white snow are also the most special.
During the rainy season, it is illegal to visit scenic spots such as the Kuma River flood, the guided water gate gate, etc. Outside of this, the summer sun is very strong, so please be careful of the heat and the temperature drop.
Items to wear and carry
There are many stones within the castle ruins, and the road surface is uneven in some areas. Shoes that are designed to be worn and worn, such as moving shoes. When traveling in summer, you must carry a hat, a drink and water; when traveling in winter, you must carry warm clothing.
A companion is essential. There are many sunny areas in this area, and the scenery is like that of a challenging stone castle tower.
User Hitoyoshi Castle History Museum
Visit the Hitoyoshi Castle Museum, go to the construction site, go to the Hitoyoshi Castle Historical Museum, get a little background knowledge, and then go deeper into the castle fort. The contents of the museum’s exhibits are rich, and I understand in detail the history of the Sagara clan and the changes in the fort.
Museum opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (starting at 4:30 pm), Shuichi’s opening hours are as follows. Admission fee is 200 yen for adults, 100 yen for middle school and elementary school students.
overview
Hitoyoshi Castle has been around for 670 years since the establishment of the Sagari clan, and it is one of the most important castles in the history of Japan. The use of the land has been completed by the natural folding barrier of the Kuma River and Wasune River, the unique arched stone burial mound, and the eternal history of the castle.
In 2020, it was destroyed during the rainstorm, but the heavy construction work is still in progress, and the new face has been reborn since the construction, and the area of Chengdu has been conquered. A wealth of tourist attractions around the world, such as Hitoyoshi Hot Springs, Aoi Aso Shrine, Wakuma River Cruise, a collection of historical sites, and natural Japanese hot springs.
Worked on one of Japan’s 100 most famous castles, known as an important historic site in southern Kyushu, and Hitoyoshi Castle. The history of the Sagara clan’s long history and unique culture, as well as the unique culture of its upbringing, are rich in riches and riches from the history of Japanese regional cuisine.
