[Miyagi] A famous cherry blossom spot in Japan's first gold-producing region! Wakuya Castle Ruins (Joyama Park)

Source:Wikipedia - Wakutani Castle

Wakuya Town, known as Japan's first gold-producing area, is a small town of 16,000 people located in Toda District, in the northern part of Miyagi Prefecture.
Wakuya Town is situated with Mount Noritake in its center, and rice paddies dot the surrounding plains.
The ruins of Wakuya Castle are located about a 5-minute drive from the station.

Just beyond the bustling shopping district in front of the station, you'll see a magnificent castle-like building.
What kind of history has it had?
And how is it loved today?

Wakuya Castle and its history

Wakutani Castle, originally the residence of the Wakutani clan, vassals of the Osaki clan, became the residence of the Watari clan, vassals
of the Date clan, in 1587 (Tensho 15). This occurred after the Osaki clan was destroyed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Wakutani Castle, which had become the residence of the Kimura clan, vassals of the Toyotomi family, came under the rule of the Watari clan, vassals of the Date family, following an uprising between the Osaki and Kasai clans.
Subsequently, during the time of the third generation head of the Watari clan, Sadamune, they were allowed to use the name Date, and the Wakutani Date clan continued to rule Wakutani Castle until the Meiji Restoration.
In the Sendai domain, castle-style residences were called fortresses, so Wakutani Castle was known as Wakutani Fortress throughout the Edo period. When the Meiji government built the prefectural office, it was demolished, leaving only the stone walls and corner turrets.
The current Wakutani Castle keep was built later as a historical museum, and it displays historical materials of the Wakutani Date clan and artifacts unearthed from the Nagane Shell Mound and Oido Cave Tombs.

Shiroyama Park Cherry Blossom Festival

Wakutani Castle, which now serves as a historical museum, is located within Shiroyama Park, which is maintained by Wakutani Town.
Shiroyama Park is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot.
From mid-April, when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, it becomes the venue for the Cherry Blossom Festival along with the Egai River embankment, bringing vibrancy to the local area.

Additionally, the Tohoku Draft Horse Racing Competition is held on the third Sunday of April.
This competition showcases the strength of horses, which have historically played a vital role in farming and transportation. Participating horses pull weighted sleds and, working together with their handlers, run a 120-meter course with two obstacles.
Every year, many people visit Wakuya to witness the sight of horses and riders working together to overcome the obstacles.

If you want to warm your heart with the bond between people and horses amidst the cherry blossoms in full bloom, why not visit Shiroyama Park?

INFORMATION

Chimon

A balding writer who loves travel and laughter.
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