Complete Guide to Koteda Castle (Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture) | The Relationship Between the Residence of a Matsuura Clan Retainer and a World Heritage Site
What is Koteda Castle?
Koteda Castle is a medieval mountain castle located in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Built during the Bunmei era (1469-1487), it served as the residence of the Koteda clan, known as important retainers of the Matsuura clan. Even today, the earthworks and moats remain well-preserved, centered around the main keep, making it an important historical site for understanding the Matsuura clan’s rule.
Although the castle site is divided by National Route 204 and the Matsuura Railway line, it attracts attention from castle enthusiasts and history buffs as a valuable relic that conveys the structure of a Sengoku period castle.
The History of Koteda Castle and the Koteda Clan
The Establishment of the Koteda Clan and the Construction of the Castle
The history of Koteda Castle is closely linked to the establishment of the Koteda clan. Koteda Sakae was born the third son (or possibly fourth son) of Matsuura Toyohisa and was adopted by Tabira Yasuteru. Later, he built a castle in this area and adopted the name Koteda.
Koteda Castle, built during the Bunmei era, functioned as an important base within the Matsuura clan’s territory. The Koteda clan was positioned as a branch of the Matsuura clan and played a crucial role in both military and political affairs.
The Achievements of Koteda Yasumasa and Yasutsune
Among the Koteda clan, Koteda Yasumasa and his son Yasutsune are particularly famous. These two served as chief retainers of the Matsuura clan for two generations, supporting Matsuura Takanobu.
Matsuura Takanobu was a powerful daimyo in Hizen Province during the Sengoku period, and the military and political support of the Koteda clan was essential for expanding his power. Koteda Yasumasa and his son Yasutsune played a central role in the Matsuura clan’s territorial management, and their power is said to have been unparalleled among the Matsuura clan’s retainers.
The Downfall of the Koteda Clan and the Fate of the Castle
The Koteda clan’s prosperity came to a sudden end in 1599. Yasutsune’s son, Koteda Yasuichi, was exiled to Higo Province following the admonition of Matsuura Nobuzane. Detailed historical records of this incident are scarce, and the true reason for the Koteda clan’s exile remains a mystery.
After Koteda Yasuichi’s exile, the fate of Koteda Castle is uncertain. There are no clear records of whether it was abandoned or taken over by other retainers. However, it is believed that after the Edo period, it lost its function as a castle and gradually fell into disrepair.
Structure and Highlights of Koteda Castle
Basic Structure of the Castle
Koteta Castle is a flatland castle built on a small hill. It is relatively large for a medieval mountain castle, reflecting the significant power of the Koteda clan within the Matsuura clan’s retainers.
The central part of the castle is the main enclosure (honmaru), surrounded by earthworks and a moat. Although the castle grounds are currently divided by National Route 204 and the Matsuura Railway line, the remains around the main enclosure are well-preserved, allowing visitors to imagine the original layout.
Main Enclosure and Earthworks
The greatest highlight of Koteda Castle is the earthworks remaining at the main enclosure. Built using the civil engineering techniques of the Sengoku period, these earthworks remain clearly visible even after several hundred years, allowing visitors to appreciate the castle’s defensive structure.
The height and width of the earthworks indicate that this castle was not merely a residence, but a full-fledged military base. Walking along the top of the earthen rampart, you can survey the surrounding area and understand why the castle lord chose this location.
Remains of the Moat
The moat surrounding the main keep is also well-preserved. In medieval castles, defense using earthen ramparts and moats was more common than stone walls, and Koteda Castle is a typical example.
The depth and width of the moat vary depending on the location, but it is large enough to prevent enemy intrusion. Although some parts are now filled in, it is possible to trace the overall outline.
Traces of Stone Walls
Traces of stone walls can also be seen in some areas. While stone walls were used only in limited areas in medieval castles, it seems that stone masonry was used in important sections. However, many parts are now covered with vegetation, making it difficult to grasp the full extent.
Relationship between Koteda Castle and the World Heritage Site, Kasuga Settlement
History of Christianity in Kasuga Settlement
An essential aspect of discussing Koteda Castle is its relationship with the Kasuga Settlement, a World Heritage Site. The Kasuga settlement was under the control of the Koteda clan, and it has a history of the entire population converting to Christianity together with their lord, Koteda Yasutsune.
In the mid-16th century, when Christianity was introduced to Japan, Hirado became one of the important missionary centers. Koteda Yasutsune was deeply devoted to Christianity, receiving baptism himself and encouraging the residents of his territory to convert. The people of Kasuga settlement followed their lord’s policy, and the entire settlement became a Christian village.
The Ban on Christianity and Hidden Christians
However, with the issuance of the ban on Christianity by the Edo shogunate, Christians suffered severe persecution. Many Christians were forced to renounce their faith, and those who refused were executed.
The people of Kasuga settlement were no exception. However, while outwardly behaving as Buddhists, they secretly continued to practice their Christian faith. These are the people known as “hidden Christians.”
Significance of World Heritage Registration
The Kasuga settlement, a hidden Christian community that maintained its faith for approximately 250 years, was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2018 as one of the component sites of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region.”
In this history, the acceptance of Christianity by the Koteda clan and their conversion along with their people formed the foundation of Christian faith in the Kasuga settlement. Koteda Castle has taken on new significance as the starting point of this history.
Access and Visiting Information for Koteda Castle
Location and Map
Location: Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Koteta Castle is located away from the city center of Hirado. The surrounding area is a rural landscape, and the castle ruins remain amidst a tranquil setting.
Transportation Access
Access by Train:
- Accessible via the Matsuura Railway, and within walking distance from the nearest station. However, since there is a certain distance from the station to the castle ruins, it is recommended to allow ample time for your visit.
Access by Car:
- Located along National Route 204, it is easily accessible by car. However, there is no dedicated parking lot, so please be careful of surrounding traffic when parking on the street.
Points to Note When Visiting
Koteda Castle is not currently a particularly well-maintained tourist facility. Therefore, please note the following points when visiting:
- Clothing: Since there are areas with dense undergrowth, it is recommended to wear long sleeves, long pants, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Time of Year: In summer, the vegetation is thick, making it difficult to see the remains. Visiting from autumn to spring is ideal.
- Safety: Be careful of your footing around earthworks and moats to avoid falls and slips.
- Manners: Since it may be adjacent to private property, please do not enter areas marked as “No Trespassing.”
Estimated Visiting Time
If you want to thoroughly explore the entire castle ruins, allow 30 minutes to an hour. If you plan to take photographs or closely examine the remains, it may take longer.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Hirado Castle
If you visit Koteda Castle, be sure to also visit Hirado Castle. Hirado Castle, also known as Kameoka Castle, is a flatland castle jutting out into the Hirado Strait. Construction began in 1704 during the time of Matsuura Mune, the 30th head of the Matsuura family, and was completed in 1718 during the time of the 31st head, Atsunobu.
Currently, the keep has been restored, and the interior is open to the public as a museum. Valuable materials related to the history of Hirado and the Matsuura clan are on display, allowing for a deeper understanding of the relationship between the Koteda and Matsuura clans.
Kasuga Settlement
The Kasuga settlement, a World Heritage Site, is also a must-see. This settlement retains the atmosphere of the time when it was the territory of the Koteda clan, and you can learn about the history of hidden Christians. Within the settlement is the Kasuga Settlement Museum, where you can learn in detail about the religious practices and daily life of the time.
Hirado City Center
Hirado city center is dotted with facilities that tell the history of Hirado, such as the site of the Dutch trading post and the Matsuura Historical Museum. The history of Hirado, which flourished as an international trading port, is important for understanding Japanese history.
Historical Value and Current Preservation Status of Koteda Castle
Historical Value
Koteta Castle is an important historical site for understanding the Matsuura clan’s system of rule. It is highly valued academically as a valuable remains that shows the reality of regional rule in Hizen Province during the Sengoku period.
Furthermore, in relation to the World Heritage site, Kasuga Settlement, it is attracting new attention from the perspective of Christian history. Koteda Castle occupies an important position in considering how faith spread and was preserved within the relationship between the lord’s castle and the settlement of the people.
Preservation Status and Challenges
Currently, the earthworks and moats surrounding the main keep of Koteda Castle are well-preserved. However, the castle grounds are divided by a national highway and railway, making it difficult to grasp the overall layout.
Furthermore, the site is not adequately developed as a tourist facility, and information boards and explanatory signs are limited. In order to utilize it as a regional historical resource in the future, appropriate preservation and development will be necessary.
Significance of Visiting Koteda Castle
Koteta Castle is not a famous tourist destination, but it is a valuable historical site for understanding the realities of regional rule in medieval Japan, particularly during the Sengoku period. It allows for a multifaceted perspective on history, including the relationship between the Matsuura clan and their retainers, and its connection to Christian history.
For castle enthusiasts, it is a valuable opportunity to see the well-preserved earthworks and moats in person. Visiting it in conjunction with the World Heritage site, Kasuga Settlement, will allow for a deeper understanding of the relationship between lords and their subjects, and the spread and transmission of faith.
Koteda Castle, nestled in a tranquil rural area, is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and reflect on history. When visiting Hirado, be sure to pay a visit.
Summary
Koteta Castle is a medieval castle located in Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture. Built during the Bunmei era, it served as the residence of the Koteda clan, important retainers of the Matsuura clan. Koteda Yasumasa and his son Yasutsune served as chief retainers of the Matsuura clan, but in 1599 (Keicho 4), Koteda Yasuichi was exiled, bringing the castle’s history to an end.
The earthworks and moat of the main keep remain well-preserved, offering insights into the castle’s structure during the Sengoku period. Furthermore, in relation to the World Heritage site of the Kasuga settlement, it is an important historical site from the perspective of Christian history.
When visiting Hirado, be sure to visit Koteda Castle, along with Hirado Castle and the Kasuga settlement. It is a precious place where you can feel the breath of history.
