Akashi Castle - 明石城 (map)
photos: Daniel O'Grady
Location: |
Hyōgo (Harima Province) |
| 兵庫県 (播磨国) | |
Clan: |
Ogasawara , Matsudaira (Echizen) |
| 小笠原氏, 松平氏(越前) | |
Dates: |
1619 - 1874 |
Type: |
Hilltop, Hybrid Renkakushiki & Teikakushiki. |
Main tower: |
None |
Categories: |
Kansai | Buildings |
Summary:
This was one of many castles in the area, either constructed or expanded upon, to defend against those who posed a threat to the Tokugawa shogunate. Utilizing raw materials and even whole buildings from castles that had been decommissioned in 1615, allowed it to be built in an incredibly short amount of time.The base of a central tower does exist though nothing ever stood there. Instead the main enclosure was defended by 4 three-story towers, two of which still stand. The central tower base is located to the West, just behind the Hitsujisaru turret.
Though there are several visible differences in the two remaining towers of Akashi castle, they are very similar in style & dimensions. What is surprising is that both towers had very different origins. The Hisujisaru Turret made its way here via Fushimi castle and the Tatsumi Turret was relocated here via Funage castle. The Funage castle ruins are actually located within short distance to the West of Akashi castle.
Timeline:
| 1617 | The Ogasawara clan were transferred to nearby Funage Castle. |
| 1619 | This castle was completed. |
| 1633 | The Toda branch of the Matsudaira clan were stationed here. |
| 1639 | The Okubo clan were stationed here. |
| 1649 | The Fuji branch of the Matsudaira clan were stationed here. |
| 1679 | The Honda clan were stationed here. |
| 1682 | The Echizen branch of the Matsudaira clan were stationed here. |
| 1874 | The castle was abandoned. |
| 1881 | The north-eastern Inui Turret was dismantled. |
| 1901 | The north-western Ushitora Turret was dismantled. |
| 1995 | Akashi Castle incurred damage in the Hanshin Earthquake. |
Historical recognition:
| Site | National Historic Site |
| Hitsujisaru Turret | Important Cultural Property |
| Tatsumi Turret | Important Cultural Property |
