Kitsuki Castle
Kitsuki Castle is a medieval Japanese castle, restored in 20th century.[1]
Kitsuki Castle 杵築城 | |
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16-1 Kitsuki, Kitsuki City, Ōita Prefecture | |
Kitsuki Castle | |
Type | hirayama-style Japanese castle |
Site information | |
Condition | National Important Cultural Property |
Site history | |
Built | 1394, reconstructed in 1970 |
In use | 1394-1871 |
Materials | Wood, stone |
History
This castle was originally built in 1394, and is situated so that it The castle overlooks the Seto Inland Sea. The original creator was Kitsuki Yorinao. Later, the castle came under control of Hosokawa Tadaoki, in the 1600s. A re-creation of the castle was built out of concrete in 1970. .[2] Matsudaira Hidechika became lord of the castle, and the Matsudaira clan remained in charge of the caste till the Meiji restoration. Like most castles, it was destroyed in the Meiji restoration period.
The general area of Kitsuki has a great many period Samurai houses (bukeyashiki) that date from this period, and the area is visually in keeping with the historic nature of the time.
Present site
Effort has been made to preserve the period aesthetics of the current site. In order to do so, modern intrusions have been avoided, so electricity cables and other modern intrusions have been kept out of sight. At present, the reconstructed castle is on site, and it includes a museum inside. [3]
References
- http://www.kit-suki.com/common/index.php?action=story&story_id=200
- "Kitsuki Castle" J Castle http://www.jcastle.info/castle/profile/189-Kitsuki-Castle Archived 2016-12-27 at the Wayback Machine
- "Kitsuki Castle" The Japan Guide http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4725.html