A complete guide to the history and bright spots of Yashiro Castle | Famous castle fort in Feihou Province, also known as Songjiang Castle
Yatsushiro Castle is this?
Yatsushiro Castle (Yatsushiro Castle) was a plains castle in the early Edo period, located in Kumamoto and Yatsushiro City. Matsue Village, also known as Matsue Castle, at the entrance to the Kuma River. Yatsushiro Castle was completed in 1622 (Yona 8), and is the most visible fort in Japan, and was built in accordance with the “One Country, One Castle” ordinance (1615).
At present, Yatsushiro Castle Site, Ancient Japanese Castle Site, Japanese Mugishima Castle Site, and on March 18, 2014 (Heisei 214), it was designated as a national historical monument, designated as “Yatsushiro Castle Site Group”, and selected as “Japan’s 100 Famous Castles” (190th). The castle tower’s stone mound and the base of the castle tower are now perfectly preserved, exhibiting the development of the envoys and the appearance of the castle fort during the Edo period, a treasure of cultural heritage.
Construction of Yashiro Castle
From ancient texts to the main city of Mai Island
An important fort that existed in the Yatsushiro area before the construction of Yatsushiro Castle. During the Namboku Town period, Kobun Honjo was built and became the central fortress in the Yatsushiro area of Chengdu. Later, during the Momoyama period in Azuchi, Kato Kiyomasa completed the construction of Mugishima Castle.
Mugishima Castle is a water castle with a pond, located on the sandy shore at the entrance of the Kuma River, and is the administrative center of the Eighth Domain, and has an important role in its construction. During the period of Kato Kiyomasa’s reign, Kumamoto Castle was located there, and Mugishima Castle was also monitored by the generals at the same time, and served as a defensive fort for the Kawama and Hitoyoshi clans in the south.
Mina Earthquake Yomugishima Castle’s Pavilion
In 1619 (Mina 5th year), an earthquake occurred in the Yatsushiro area. After an earthquake in the area, the construction of Mai Island Castle was completed with a huge collapse, the envoy’s citadel, and the fortification function was lost. At the time, the lord of Kumamoto, Tadahiro Kato (Kato Kiyomasa’s second son), had passed away and remained in place for eight generations.
Due to the urgent situation, Kato Tadahiro was sent to the shogunate, and the troupe was asked to build a new castle. Under normal circumstances, the law prohibits the construction of a new castle under the “one province, one castle” rule, but considering that the demand for the new castle came to be replaced by Mugishima Castle, and the demand for military affairs of the Haima domain, which was strong in the south, the Shogunate ratified the unprecedented request for the construction of a new castle.
Construction like Yatsushiro Castle (Matsue Castle)
Kato square construction
In 1620 (6th year of the first year), Kato Masakata, a vassal ordered by Kato Tadahiro, started building a new castle. The selected location is Matsue Village, a low-lying area north of the mouth of the Kuma River. Random Mugishima Castle was built on Shazhou, but Matsue Village land was changed further, and this selection was made. As soon as this happens, the construction of Matsue Village will take place and the land will be low.
Yatsushiro Castle was first constructed between 1610 and 1621, and completed in 1622. It took three years to construct the fort, and since then, the fort’s construction techniques have been exquisite and level-headed.
Fort structure and special features
Yatsushiro Castle is a flat, concentric castle fort, consisting of Yuhonmaru, two rings, and three rings. The main castle tower has four layers and five layers, the main tower has two main towers, the second tower has two main towers, and the corner tower has seven seats. The main castle tower is a large main castle palace built in the center, and is the residence of the main master.
The main feature of Yatsushiro Castle is that the entire castle is constructed of limestone with a uniform structure. The castle was built with stone materials in the Yatsushiro area, and was sometimes called “White Castle” by the White Emperor. The length of the stone burial ground was approximately 2.5 km, and there were traces of extensive civil engineering work at the time of the suspension.
Since the Self-Heisei period, the archaeological excavation has been carried out to prove the foundation stone of the castle tower, the historical existence of drainage construction and stone stones, and the true appearance of the construction of the fort in the early Era of the Edo period.
Special survival after “one clan, one castle” law
“One domain and two castles” system extension
In the 20th year of the Emperor’s reign (1615), the law of “one clan, one castle” was established, and each clan had only one fort, and the other forts were subject to the same rule. However, the “one domain, two castles” system, which was established by the Kumamoto clan and Mugishima Castle at the time, continued even after the construction of the castle in the 8th generation.
Here are the official reasons why Kumamoto Castle and Yatsushiro Castle were available at the same time:
- The Anti-Haima Domain: The Haima Domain (Shimazu clan) was a major domain in the south and had a particularly strong military presence among the overseas domains.
- Watch Hitoyoshi Domain: The nearby Hitoyoshi Domain (Sagara clan) is also a foreign domain, so it is necessary to watch its movements.
- Southern Kyushu strategic point: Yatsushiro Castle is located at the entrance of the Kuma River, which is an important strategic point for maritime transportation.
Due to the political importance of military affairs and land conquest in Fengyu Yashiro Castle, the shogunate’s special permission was reserved for this castle.
Era of the Shigawa clan
Tadayoshi Teikawa
In 1632 (Kane’ei 9), Tadayuki Shigawa (Mishiki Shigawa) became the lord of the Kumamoto domain of the Kato clan. However, the actual lord of the domain was another son, Tadatoshi River, but Tadatoshi chose to build the eighth castle and lived in another place, where he lived in the castle.
Teikawa Tadayuki was the first rank in the military and the first in the Jiang Dynasty, and was also the first rank in knowledge and knowledge, and was well-versed in the tea ceremony. Installation and other works at Yatsushiro Castle, during the tea ceremony. Chunghyeong passed away in 1645 while living in Yashiro Castle.
Yatsushiro Castle and its owner period when the Matsui family entered the castle
In 1646, a vassal of the Tetsukawa family, Takacho Matsui, entered Yatsushiro Castle. The Matsui clan has a special status, and is a vassal who is independent of others, and is also a direct vassal of the Shogunate general (hatamoto). Various systems were called “vassals of the castle lord,” but Mr. Matsui was a vassal of the Kumamoto clan, but at the same time he was a vassal, and was directly responsible for receiving the stipend from the shogunate.
The Matsui clan’s land count was approximately 30,000 koku, equivalent to the land of a small feudal lord. It was established in 1870 (Meiji 3), and the Matsui clan had been in charge of Yashiro Castle for 224 years.
The Matsui clan’s current landlord, Yatsushiro Castle, and its cultural exhibition. Specially, the Matsui family accepted the original Japanese literature, and now it is preserved in the “Matsui Library”, and the history of Yatsushiro Castle is provided as a treasure trove.
Yatsushiro Castle in the post-Meiji period
Relocation of construction and construction
In 1870 (Meiji 3), Yatsushiro Castle was defeated by the Meiji government’s policies. After the beginning of the Meiji period, the system of feudal domains was abolished, the establishment of Japanese prefectures, the establishment of castle fortifications in various parts of Japan, and the incompetence of Yashiro Castle.
After the fort was conquered, the construction of the castle was completed. Comprehensive castle tower, the main building of the main building in the corner tower and palace hall is not present, and now it is the base of the castle tower under the stone wall, and the ancient days are shining. Partially constructed, the temple inside the castle is now perfectly preserved.
Hara Castle Site Use
In 1880 (Meiji 13), Matsui Shrine was erected on the ruins of Ariwara Castle. This shrine was dedicated to the Matsui family, the former head of the family, and is currently located in the center of the castle. Preserved within the shrine are items belonging to the Matsui family and a historical site of the Eighth Dynasty, where the envoys were written and recorded.
The area around the castle is also open and the park is open to the public. Spring sky, the opening of cherry blossoms, and the success of this famous victory.
Existing construction and legacy
Stone wall and castle tower
Yatsushiro Castle’s oldest man has a serious impression. The white stone tomb was made of limestone.400 years after the construction of the fort, it was still the first to be built, and its ancient Japanese appearance was preserved. The use of stone tombs is known as the famous “inner clover” construction technique, which is a treasure trove of fort construction techniques from the early Jiangzhou period.
The base of the main castle’s interior, the main castle tower, and the small castle tower. The large castle tower has a square base, is approximately 15 meters long, and has a total of four and five floors. Ascending the castle tower base, overlooking Yatsushiro City, Kuma River, far-reaching view of Yatsushiro Sea, convex construction of Yatsushiro Castle, strategic position as a key road for Japanese waterway transportation.
Yun Jian Construction
After the construction of Yatsushiro Castle, various parts of the castle were partially constructed, and are now perfectly preserved:
- Part of the main castle’s temple library: Currently in use at Ichiza temple in the castle.
- Castle Gate: A large gate for a private residence that has been partially constructed and is currently under construction.
I understand that the construction of the Yashiro Castle is a valuable source of investment.
Passionate
Preliminary tour Located outside the Yashiro Castle, this is the flower garden in the center of the tea room built by Chuan Chuan. Since then, the Matsui family’s separate crest has been established, and has now been designated as a nationally famous victory. It is a walking style garden with different scenery in each season, which is an important monument in the history of the castle in the 8th generation.
Yatsushiro Castle Ruins Designated National Palace Museum
Sanza Castle Site Designation
On March 18, 2014, Yatsushiro Castle Site, Kofuku Castle Site, Wagishima Castle Site, and Mugishima Castle Site were designated as National Historic Sites, and the name was “Yatsushiro Castle Site Group: Furofuku Castle Site, Mugishima Castle Site, Yatsushiro Castle Site”. The following designated area is the Hirayama Tile Cave Site and the Matsui Family Cemetery.
I completely understand that the specified equipment has the meaning of its opening, and the capabilities of the envoys are due to the historical history of Yashiro Castle at different times. The government has now established a castle in the 8th generation, an ancient castle in the Nanboku-cho era, a castle in Mugishima in the era of war, and a castle in the 8th era in the era of warships.
Archaeological excavation results
Before and after the Eighth Generation Castle was designated as a national historical site, the archeology department opened its doors for exhibition and archaeological excavation work. Previously, the following results were obtained:
- Honshū’s detailed structure: An analysis of the basic layout of the main shrine, a clear pattern of the main hiya’s layout.
- **Stone quality structure: Confirmed drainage design, water well, etc. Stone quality structure may have a long history.
- Unearthed artifacts: Unearthed tiles, ceramics and Japanese metal products, and details of the daily life inside the castle fort.
The results of this small research will be exhibited at the Yatsushiro City Future Forest Museum and other places, and will be used as reference materials for people to understand when working in Yatsushiro City.
Repair work
Stone repair
Due to the effects of the earthquake in 2017, the presence of a partial stone burial mound. Yatsushiro City, Yatsushiro Castle was designated as a designated national castle after the history of the country, and it was a direct site development and stone burial repair process. A combination of repair work and modern stone masonry technology with modern anti-earthquake technology.
Preservation of castle town fabric
Yatsushiro Castle and its castle town were basically put on hold in 1622 when it was built. Shuhe Shrine, a temple in the city center, was originally built and is still in its original state, and is currently in its original state.
Yatsushiro City’s castle city tour is also given enough importance to take a look at the history of the castle district, to look at the history of the castle district, and to look at the historical scenery of the modern castle city.
Yashiro Castle Ryoten
Honjo Castle Site and Stone Mound
The main sights of Yatsushiro Castle are the main castle ruins. Matsui Shrine is located inside the main castle, and a high-grade stone burial mound has been completed around four times. The maximum height of the stone burial mound is approximately 10 meters, and the white color is unique to limestone.
Inside the main castle, there is an open park, where guests can freely walk. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons: spring flowers are blooming, early summer is green and natural, and autumn is bright with red leaves.
View of the castle tower
A panoramic view of Yatsushiro City from the top of the castle tower. The Kuma River is located in the lower part of the river, and the Yatsushiro Sea (Shiranui Sea) is further developed. Haruharu’s Hikori, you can see the Amakusa Islands. In this case, you can see the strategic position of the Yashiro Castle, the key position of the Japanese waterway transportation in the construction of the city.
Matsui Shrine
The head of the Matsui family was the center of the Matsui Shrine’s burial mound. A Japanese lantern with a stone monument commemorating the Matsui family’s sympathies, and an ornamental lantern from the shrine. Every autumn, this is a big festival in the city, and the local people love it deeply.
Manbu Castle Town
Yatsushiro Castle is a castle town where the troupe is stationed around Yatsushiro Castle. This is a historical site of the temple temple where the fort was built during the time of the construction of the fort in the Temple Temple District. In addition to this, there are many residences scattered around the castle town, commercial residences, Japanese samurai residences, traditional architecture, and a number of other attractions.
Yatsushiro City Future Forest Museum
A deep understanding of the history of Yatsushiro Castle, a strong recommendation, and a visit to the Yatsushiro City Future Forest Museum. Inside the hall, there is a constant exhibition of Yatsushiro Castle, a model of the fort, excavated artifacts, and a collection of ancient documents and its history.
The collection of Matsui’s family and generations of Japanese literature is similar to that of Matsui’s literary works. A comprehensive collection of rare and important cultural treasures within the museum, including rare and important cultural treasures from within the museum, will be on display for a limited time.
Transportation
Public transportation
- JR Rokujima main line: 15 minutes walking distance from Yashiro station
- Haji: Sanko Haji, sitting in front of the Yatsushiro station, is at the “Yatsushiro castle ruins” station.
From the Kumamoto station, the regular train to the Yashiro station takes 30 minutes, and from the Kumamoto station to the Yashiro station, the regular train takes 10 minutes.
Selfishness
- Kyushu Expressway: Estimated departure time from Yuyashiro Exchange Road 10 minutes
- Car stop: Yatsushiro Castle Ruins Surrounding Area (Comprehensive Matsui Shrine Tourist Park).
The approximate demand for leaving the Kumamoto City National Highway No. 3 line is 40 minutes every 40 minutes, and the approximate demand for leaving for the Hitoyoshi area is 1 hour.
Nearby view point
松滨县
It takes about 20 minutes to walk to Yatsushiro Castle, which is designated as a nationally famous garden. The park was designed as a walking garden in the center of the pond, with different scenery in each season, especially when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in June.
Furutomihonjo Castle Ruins Wamugishima Castle Ruins
Furutomimoto Castle Site, Wagishima Castle Site, and Yashiro Castle Site Group belong to the same group. The ruins of the old Fumoto Castle have been preserved, and the ruins of Mugishima Castle are now part of the city district, but they are still in communication with the message tiles and other exhibits, which are filled with imaginative images from ancient times.
Yashiro Shrine (Myoshō Shrine)
The distance from Yatsushiro Shrine to Yatsushiro Castle is about 10 minutes by car, and it is an ancient shrine, and the place where people are separated is called “Myosan Mountain”. Every November, the “Eighth Myosho Festival” is a grand event, which has been included in the list of the United Nations curriculum, non-material culture, and a famous history in the world, attracting a large number of visitors.
History of Yashiro Castle
The important significance of the history of Yatsushiro Castle in Japan is as follows:
“One province, one castle” construction after the rule
After the creation of “one province, one castle”, the new construction of a small number of castles, the eighth castle, is an example of the actual treasures of the Edo Shogunate policy and local governance. The Shogunate’s military presence has been demonstrated to meet the demands of the military and its operational capabilities.
Castle court system
The Matsui clan’s rule is the castle-based government system, which is an important example of a unique system. Others are family vassals of feudal lords, and direct vassals of the shogunate and military, and these dual bodies are an example of the different social systems that existed during the war.
Focus on local governance
Yatsushiro Castle is not the center of military affairs; it is the center of politics in the Yashiro area and the center of Eiwa culture. The development of the local community has profound effects, comprehensive castle town exhibitions, industrial prosperity and cultural success.
Visit Yatsushiro Castle Knowledge
Time to visit
A visit to the Yatsushiro Castle ruins will take about 1-2 minutes. If you just think about it, visit the stone tomb, walk around the castle tower, sit in the castle tower, and walk in the castle for about 30 minutes.
Recommendation season
- Spring season (late March to early April): The season for the opening of maple flowers; the castle tower is the heating point of the castle tower.
- Early summer (May to June): Green intention, natural conditions, very suitable man walking.
- Autumn season (October to November): The season of red leaves blooming; stone walls and autumn leaves intersect with each other, and the scenery is lost.
Precautions for viewing
- Forbidden to move or move stones.
- Please be careful when walking around the castle tower.
- Summer protection is low, construction hats are provided, and water is sufficient for drinking water.
Summary
Yatsushiro Castle is an important historical fortress, and after the “one castle in one country” law was passed, it was built as an exception to the rule. Since its construction in 1622, it has been 400 years since then, and the castle tower still retains its original appearance, and is still in its original state during the Edo period. Yashiro Castle was built by Yukato Masakata, and was the last residence of Chuan Tadasu, 224 years after the Matsui clan was established, and was an important strategic point in the southern part of the country after the post-war period, and was an important strategic point during the battle. At present, the construction of the Yashiro Castle Site is a part of the national historical heritage “Yashiro Castle Site”, which has been properly utilized and protected, and the creation of the local historical and cultural treasures.
When you visit Kumamoto, you must visit the ruins of Yatsushiro Castle, a spectacular view of Yatsushiro Castle from the top of the white limestone castle tower. In addition, I was able to go to the Yatsushiro City Museum before, to understand the historical history of Yashiro Castle, to visit the castle town, and then to visit the castle fortress, which was an important part of the performance.
