This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
When it comes to famous castles in the Tohoku region,Hirosaki Castle in Aomori PrefectureofAizuwakamatsu Castle in Fukushima Prefecture, andSendai Castle in Miyagi Prefecture! ...or so you might think, but unfortunately, Sendai Castle no longer has a keep.
However, that doesn't mean there aren't any castles with keeps in Miyagi Prefecture. In Shiroishi City, located in the southern part of Miyagi Prefecture, thereShiroishi Castle, which was once the residence of the Katakura family,is
This time,Shiraishi Castlewe'll be introducing
What is Shiroishi Castle?
Shiroishi Castle is a flatland castle located in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, and is also known as Masuoka Castle
There are very few historical documents related to Shiroishi Castle, and there are many mysteries, such as "When was it built and by whom?" However, according to the historical information board on site, the castle has had many successive owners
List of successive castle lords
Tsunemoto Karita
Shiraishi Hidenaga(later became a retainer of the Date family. He was from the family of Shiraishi Munemitsu, a retainer of Date Masamune.)
Date family:Yashiro Kageyori(one of Date Masamune's close retainers)
Gamo family:Gamo Satoshige(Received the Gamo territory during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's pacification of Oshu.)
Uesugi family:Amakasu Kagetsugu(became part of the Uesugi territory due to the Gamo family's transfer.)
Date family:Ishikawa Akimitsu(Uncle of Date Masamune. Returned to Date territory during Tokugawa Ieyasu's campaign against Aizu.)
Date family:Katakura Kagetuna(a senior retainer of Date Masamune)
Meiji New Government:Nanbu Toshiyasu(former lord of Morioka Domain)
Subsequently, it was used as a government facility by the Sanriku Iwaki Ryoba Inspectorate, the Ministry of the Army, and the Ministry of Finance.In 1874, it was sold to a private company and demolished, and in 1900, the castle ruins"Masuoka Park."were developed into
Incidentally, the original name of this area wasShiraishi in Katta District, Mutsu Province. The place name is derived from the names of the first and second lords of the territory.Shiraishihas become a city, butKatta Districtstill exists, including the two towns of Zao and Shichikashuku.
Even place names have history!
Restoration of Shiroishi Castle. The trigger was the NHK Taiga drama!
The restoration of the castle had been proposed many times before, but there were many obstacles and it never seemed like a realistic plan. However, in1988 (Showa 63), the NHK Taiga drama "Dokuganryu Masamune" began airing.
The existence of Katakura Kagetuna also attracted nationwide attention, and the atmosphere in the Shiroishi City Council changed completely. The restoration of the three-story turret of Shiroishi Castlea policy of Shiroishi Citywas adopted as
Following this, investigations began with the aim of restoring the structure faithfully to its original form, and at the same time, a restoration fund was established to raise capital. Ultimately,more than 100 million yen was raised through donations from individuals and corporations, and in March 1995, the restoration work on the three-story turret, the first and second gates of the main gate, and the earthen wall was successfully completed.
Since then, the building has undergone repeated repair work due to damage caused by repeated earthquakes, including the Great East Japan Earthquake, and has continued to operate to this day
list, published in 2017 by the Japan Castle Association"Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles"Shiraishi Castle's keep was selected for the
I actually visited Shiroishi Castle!
I actually visited Shiroishi Castle!
We start climbing from behind Shiroishi City Hall. By the way, this road is named "Shiroku Road" because it leads to the castle
This is the general information board for Masuoka Park. In addition to the castle, it also has a baseball field, tennis courts, and other facilities, making it a sports park
If you climb a little further, you'll see the "Historical Exploration Museum."tickets for the castle tower and samurai residenceshere. There are also souvenir shops and a snack bar.
A very retro ticket machine with a Showa-era feel!
After purchasing your admission ticket, walk a little further and you will see the back of Shiroishi Castle on your left
The Otemon Ichinomon Gate can be seen on the left side of the photo
Immediately after passing through Ichinomon Gate is Ninomon Gate. The space between these two gates is called Masugata, and was designed so that when enemy soldiers attacked, they could be trapped in this narrow space by closing the gates and targeted with guns or bows and arrows
Once you pass through the Ninomon Gate, you will come out onto the large grounds of the main castle grounds and finally come face to face with Shiroishi Castle!
According to the information board, there used to be various palaces on this site. I hope that someday these will be restored!
At the entrance to the castle towerthe Katakura family's flag, the "Kuro-tsurigane" (black bell)!
the Boshin WarDuringthe Shiraishi Domain Conferencewas held here,led to the formation of the Ouetsu Reppan Alliance.of the Ouetsu Reppan Alliance, the five-pointed star emblemis also on display.
On the first floor of the castle tower, there are various exhibits, including armor from the Date clan and a model of Shiroishi Castle
The second floor is a large, empty space, and if you go up to the third floor you can look down on Shiroishi city with a 360-degree panoramic view
Compared to Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle in Fukushima and other castles, it is a considerably more compact castle, butone of the largest heights and widths among post-war wooden reconstructed castle towers in Japanit boasts
The wooden restoration is rare nationwide and has received high academic acclaim
summary
One of the joys of traveling is learning about the history of a place, but there was something particularly moving about learning that an important scene in the Boshin War took place in Shiraishi
Incidentally, very close to the castlethe samurai residencesso it's recommended to visit them as well! It's a relaxing spot with a great atmosphere along the clear stream.
is the only castle in Miyagi Prefecture with a keepShiraishi Castle. If you have the chance, you should definitely go and visit!
Shiroishi Castle <Information>
Name: Shiroishi Castle
Address: 1-16 Masuokacho, Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-0251
Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs
