Aya Castle - 綾城 (map)
photos: Daniel O'Grady
Location: |
Miyazaki (Hyūga Province) |
| 宮崎県 (日向国) | |
Clan: |
Aya, Itō |
| 綾氏,伊東氏 | |
Dates: |
1331- 1615 |
Type: |
Mountain |
Main tower: |
3 layers / 3 stories. 1986 - present. |
Categories: |
Kyūshū | Reconstructed |
Summary:
When the Ito clan took possession of the castle during the Muromachi period it was one of 48 under their control & the most strategically important in their war with the Shimazu. The current main tower dates from 1985 & its design is representative of castles dating from the Sengoku period. Inside there are displays of armour, maps and other historical items.Today, this castle's main role is that of "International Craft Castle". A separate building houses a vast range of the local crafts.
Timeline:
| 1331 | Hosokawa Yoshito took the name of the area - Aya. He then had the castle built. |
| 1500 | Ito clan took control of the area. |
| 1510 | Nagakura Wakasanokami took possession of the castle. |
| 1577 | The Ito clan were driven out by the Shimazu clan. |
| 1615 | The castle was torn down to comply with the "one country, one castle" policy. |
| 1986 | The keep was reconstructed. |
