Futami Castle, Gojo City (Nara Prefecture) Complete Guide | The History of Matsukura Shigemasa’s Castle and Castle Town
Futami Castle, located in Futami, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, was a castle that flourished for a short period in the early Edo period. It is known as the residence of Matsukura Shigemasa, a senior retainer of Tsutsui Junkei, built for his achievements in the Battle of Sekigahara, and functioned as the center of the Gojo Domain. Currently, it is the grounds of Myoju-ji Temple, and very few remains of the castle exist. However, the townscape of Shinmachi, which was developed as a castle town, has been designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, conveying the prosperity of that time.
History and Transformation of Futami Castle
The Futami Clan Era Before the Castle’s Construction
It is believed that a castle built by the Futami clan in the Middle Ages originally existed on the site of Futami Castle. Records show that some kind of castle facility already existed on this site during the Genko era (1331-1334), suggesting that it functioned as a strategic point in southern Yamato Province from the Nanboku-cho period to the Sengoku period. Located on a river terrace overlooking the Yoshino River (Kinokawa River), Futami Castle was a strategically important transportation hub, serving both water and land routes, and was militarily and economically significant from ancient times. While many details of the Futami clan’s rule remain unclear, they undoubtedly played a significant role in the power struggles within Yamato Province.
Renovation into a Modern Castle by Matsukura Shigemasa
Futami Castle first appears on the historical stage when Matsukura Shigemasa became its lord. Matsukura Shigemasa was born in 1574 (Tensho 2), the eldest son of Matsukura Shigenobu, a senior retainer of Tsutsui Junkei. The Matsukura clan were minor lords based near Yokota-cho, Yamato-Koriyama City, but they served the Tsutsui clan from an early stage.
Shigemasa’s father, Shigenobu, enjoyed the deep trust of Tsutsui Junkei. After Junkei destroyed the Ochi clan, the largest anti-Tsutsui force in Yamato Province, Shigenobu was granted the Ochi territory in Takaichi District, the clan’s base. This was one of the largest stipends among the Tsutsui retainers, demonstrating the importance of the Matsukura clan.
In the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 (Keicho 5), Matsukura Shigemasa sided with Tokugawa Ieyasu and distinguished himself in battle on the Eastern Army side. For this achievement, Shigemasa was granted 10,000 koku in Gojo, and the Gojo Domain was established with Futami Castle as his residence. Shigemasa built Futami Castle as a modern castle, based on the former medieval castle of the Futami clan.
Construction of the Castle Town of Shinmachi
In 1608 (Keicho 13), Matsukura Shigemasa developed Shinmachi as the castle town of Futami Castle. Shinmachi was a systematically constructed town, characterized by its orderly grid-like street layout. Developed along the Ise Highway, it functioned not only as a castle town but also as a post town.
Shigemasa planned the town layout and attracted merchants and artisans to promote its development. The basic structure of the town formed during this period is still reflected in the current streetscape of Gojo Shinmachi, and it is valued as a valuable example of early Edo period urban planning.
The Siege of Osaka and Transfer to Hizen Hinoe
During the Winter and Summer Sieges of Osaka, held from 1614 (Keicho 19) to 1615 (Genna 1), Matsukura Shigemasa once again fought on the Tokugawa side and achieved distinction. He particularly distinguished himself in the Summer Siege of Osaka, and his military achievements were recognized.
In 1616 (Genna 2), Shigemasa received a significant increase in his domain and was transferred to Hinoe in Hizen Province (present-day Shimabara Peninsula, Nagasaki Prefecture) with a stipend of 43,000 koku. As a result, Futami Castle was abandoned after only 16 years, and Shigemasa’s tenure as lord of the castle was only 8 years. This short period is one of the reasons why very few remains of Futami Castle survive.
The Gojo Magistrate’s Office Era After the Abandonment of Futami Castle
After Futami Castle was abandoned, the Gojo area became a shogunate-controlled territory (tenryo), and the Gojo Magistrate’s Office was established. As a local administrative body of the shogunate, the magistrate’s office was responsible for a wide range of duties, including tax collection, maintaining public order, and civil administration.
Shinmachi, which had been developed as a castle town, continued to exist, albeit with a change in character from a castle town to a rural town, and continued to prosper as a post town on the Ise Highway. It maintained its function as a commercial center and continued to develop throughout the Edo period as one of the economic centers of southern Yamato Province.
Structure and Layout of Futami Castle
Location and Topographical Features
Futami Castle was built on a river terrace in Futami, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. The Yoshino River (Kinokawa River) served as a natural moat on the east side, while the remaining three sides were surrounded by artificial moats. This location was not only advantageous defensively but also convenient for transporting goods using water transport.
It is considered one of the largest castles in Gojo City and is thought to have had a structure centered around the main keep and the second bailey. The layout, utilizing the elevation difference of the river terrace, is presumed to have exhibited a transitional appearance, retaining characteristics of medieval castles while incorporating elements of early modern castles.
Existing Remains and Traces
Currently, the Futami Castle site is within the grounds of Myoju-ji Temple, and very few clear castle remains remain. Only a small portion of the earthen ramparts can be seen; no traces of stone walls or buildings are found.
This is mainly due to the fact that Futami Castle was abandoned after a short period of time and that subsequent land use led to significant alterations. It has also been pointed out that, as an early modern castle, it may not have possessed the large-scale stone walls found in later castles.
Observing the topography of Myoju-ji Temple and its surroundings allows us to infer the layout of the former baileys and the location of the moats. The temple grounds are thought to correspond to the site of the castle’s main keep, and the micro-topography of the surrounding area allows us to imagine the scale of the castle in its heyday.
Structure of the Castle Town
Shinmachi, developed as the castle town of Futami Castle, still retains much of its original layout. A grid-like street pattern is laid out within an area of approximately 600 meters east-west and 300 meters north-south.
Along the Ise Kaido, the main street, narrow-fronted, deep-dwelling townhouses line the street, strongly retaining the characteristics of an Edo period townscape. Many of these buildings were constructed during the mid-to-late Edo period and the Meiji era, but the basic structure of the town layout established by Matsukura Shigemasa remains unchanged.
The Person of Matsukura Shigemasa
Activities in the Yamato Period
Matsukura Shigemasa, as a senior retainer of the Tsutsui family, displayed military talent from a young age. After the death of his father, Shigenobu, Shigemasa inherited the family headship and remained loyal to the Tsutsui clan even after they were transferred to Iga-Ueno by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
At the Battle of Sekigahara, while Tsutsui Sadatsugu sided with the Western Army, Shigemasa, based on his own judgment, sided with Tokugawa Ieyasu of the Eastern Army. This decision was a crucial choice that led to the later establishment of the Gojo Domain. Shigemasa’s political judgment and military abilities were highly regarded during this period.
Rule as Lord of the Gojo Domain
As the lord of the Gojo Domain, Shigemasa demonstrated skill in managing his territory. The construction of the castle town of Shinmachi was not merely the development of a military base, but an urban plan that also considered the promotion of commerce and economic development.
Shigemasa actively invited merchants and artisans, and promoted the establishment of markets and the improvement of distribution. He also focused on improving the Ise Highway, strengthening its function as a post town. Through these measures, Gojo quickly established itself as the economic center of southern Yamato Province.
The Tragedy of Shimabara
After being transferred to Hinoe in Hizen Province, Matsukura Shigemasa began the construction of Shimabara Castle. However, he oppressed the people with harsh construction labor and heavy taxes, and also severely persecuted Christians.
After Shigemasa’s death, during the reign of his son, Matsukura Katsuie, these misgovernment issues were one of the causes of the Shimabara Rebellion in 1637 (Kanei 14). This rebellion is known as the largest uprising of the Edo period. Although it was suppressed by a full-scale attack by the shogunate army, it resulted in a tragedy with approximately 37,000 casualties.
Matsukura Katsuie was held responsible for the rebellion and, unusually for a daimyo, was executed by beheading. The Matsukura family was also stripped of their domain. It is a historical irony that Shigemasa, beloved as a benevolent ruler in Gojo, would go down in history as an oppressive leader in Shimabara.
Access and Visiting Information for Futami Castle Ruins
Transportation Access
Access by Train
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Wakayama Line “Yamato-Futami Station”
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot from JR Wakayama Line “Gojo Station”
Yamato-Futami Station is the closest station to Futami Castle Ruins. Heading north from the station and passing through the residential area will lead you to Myoju-ji Temple. From Gojo Station, a recommended route is to stroll through the streets of Shinmachi.
Access by Car
- Approximately 10 minutes from the Gojo Interchange on the Keina-Wa Expressway
- Accessible from National Route 24 and National Route 168
Myoju-ji Temple does not have its own parking lot, but there are public parking lots nearby. However, since there are very few remaining structures, it is recommended to visit on foot, perhaps combining it with a stroll through the Shinmachi townscape, rather than by car.
Points to Note During Your Visit
While you can generally freely explore the grounds of Futami Castle Ruins (Myoju-ji Temple), please respect its status as a temple and observe quietly. Since there are few clearly defined castle remains, paying attention to the following points will help you imagine the castle’s appearance in its heyday.
Points to Note During Visit
- Topography of Myojuji Temple Grounds: Confirm the elevation difference at the site presumed to be the main keep.
- Traces of the earthen embankment remain.
- Location of the moat inferred from the surrounding topography.
- Relative position to the Yoshino River (Kinokawa River).
Location and Basic Information
- Location: Futami, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture (Myojuji Temple)
- Postal Code: 637-0071
- Visiting Hours: The temple grounds are generally open to visitors (consideration is required if there are temple events, etc.)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Parking: No dedicated parking (use nearby public parking)
- Maintenance Status: Unmaintained (no special maintenance for preserving the remains)
Strolling Through the Townscape of Gojo Shinmachi
Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings
Shinmachi, which was developed as a castle town of Futami Castle, was designated a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2010. The town layout established by Matsukura Shigemasa in 1608 remains remarkably well-preserved, creating a valuable streetscape with a continuous line of townhouses from the Edo period to the modern era.
Given the current situation where very few remains of Futami Castle exist, the townscape of Shinmachi is the most important historical heritage to commemorate Matsukura Shigemasa’s rule of Gojo. When visiting the castle ruins, we highly recommend also taking a stroll through Shinmachi.
Main Highlights
Machiya-kan
A tourist information facility utilizing an Edo-period townhouse, where you can learn about the history and streetscape of Shinmachi. Admission is free, and guided tours by volunteer guides are available (reservations required).
Kuriyama Family Residence
A townhouse from the mid-Edo period, designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It was a pharmacy, offering insights into the life of a merchant at that time. Fujioka Family Residence
This building dates from the late Edo period and retains much of the traditional townhouse structure.
These buildings tell the story of Shinmachi, which continued to prosper as a rural town even after the abandonment of Futami Castle.
Model Walking Course
Approximately 2-hour course
- JR Gojo Station (Start)
- Stroll through the streets of Gojo Shinmachi (approx. 60 minutes)
- Visit the Machiya Museum (approx. 30 minutes)
- Visit Myoju-ji Temple (Futami Castle Ruins) (approx. 20 minutes)
- Yamato-Futami Station (Goal)
This course allows you to experience the history of the Gojo Domain in chronological order, from the castle town developed by Matsukura Shigemasa to the castle ruins.
Nearby Tourist Spots
Gojo Magistrate’s Office Ruins (Goryo Shrine)
This is the site of the Gojo Magistrate’s Office, which was established after the abandonment of Futami Castle. It is now Goryo Shrine and tells the history of Gojo during the time when it was directly controlled by the shogunate. Located within walking distance of Shinmachi, we recommend visiting both.
Eizanji Temple
An ancient temple in Gojo City, founded during the Nara period, known for its National Treasure, the Octagonal Hall. Situated amidst the beautiful scenery along the Yoshino River, it’s approximately a 10-minute drive from Futami Castle Ruins.
Yoshino Mountain
Located northeast of Gojo City, it’s one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. It’s registered as part of the World Heritage Site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” It’s approximately a 40-minute drive from Futami Castle Ruins.
Kongoji Temple (Gojo City)
A temple associated with Emperor Go-Daigo of the Nanboku-cho period. It’s one of the important historical sites in Gojo’s history.
Historical Significance of Futami Castle and Gojo
Position in the History of Early Modern Castles
Futami Castle, as the castle of a small domain established as a reward for meritorious service after the Battle of Sekigahara, represents a type of castle in the history of early modern castles. It is a transitional castle, built on the foundation of a medieval castle and later remodeled into an early modern castle, and is thought to have had a practical structure without large stone walls or a keep.
Although its development as a castle was limited due to its short eight-year lifespan, the castle town developed during that short period demonstrates a high degree of completeness as a planned city.
Role as a Hub in Southern Yamato Province
Futami Castle functioned as the political and economic center of southern Yamato Province. Located at a crucial transportation hub where the Yoshino River waterway and the Ise Highway intersected, it was an important base connecting Yamato Province and Kii Province.
The fact that the Gojo Magistrate’s Office remained there even after the castle’s abandonment speaks to the strategic and economic importance of this area. As a shogunate territory, Gojo enjoyed stable development throughout the Edo period due to its direct rule.
Value of Preserving the Townscape
Although most of the remains of Futami Castle have been lost, the well-preserved townscape of Shinmachi, the castle town, is historically very important. This example of early Edo period urban planning being directly passed down to the present day is rare nationwide, and it serves as a living historical heritage that conveys the achievements of Matsukura Shigemasa’s domain management.
The designation of Shinmachi as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2010 led to a full-scale effort to preserve the townscape. Repair and restoration projects are underway, aiming to recreate the townscape of yesteryear.
Current Status and Challenges of Futami Castle Research
Limitations of Historical Materials
Historical materials concerning Futami Castle are limited, leaving many unknowns regarding the detailed structure of the castle and its daily operation. It has also been pointed out that records concerning Gojo may have been lost when Matsukura Shigemasa was transferred to Hinoe in Hizen Province. Archaeological excavations have not been sufficiently conducted, and new facts may be revealed through future research.
Future Preservation and Utilization
While preserving the remains of Futami Castle itself is difficult, the preservation and utilization of the castle town of Shinmachi is steadily progressing. Sustainable preservation and utilization efforts are needed, utilizing the historical townscape as a tourist resource while maintaining it as a living space for residents.
Furthermore, it is hoped that understanding and disseminating the history of Futami Castle and Shinmachi as a whole will reveal the overall picture of Matsukura Shigemasa’s rule over Gojo.
Summary
Futami Castle was an early Edo period castle located in Gojo City, Nara Prefecture. It was the residence of the Gojo Domain, built by Matsukura Shigemasa after his achievements in the Battle of Sekigahara. Although it existed for only eight years until its abandonment in 1616, the castle town of Shinmachi, which was developed during that time, still retains a strong Edo-period townscape as a designated Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Although very few castle remains survive, the grounds of Myoju-ji Temple and the surrounding terrain allow us to imagine its former appearance. When visiting Futami Castle ruins, combining it with a stroll through the townscape of Shinmachi will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the history of Gojo, built by Matsukura Shigemasa.
The history of Gojo, which flourished as a strategic point in southern Yamato Province and a post town on the Ise Highway, is passed down to the present day through these two legacies: Futami Castle and Shinmachi.
