Japanese Castle Explorer

by Daniel O'Grady

       
The Baur Collection: Japanese Sword-Fittings and Associated Metalwork Castles of the Samurai: Power and Beauty

Fushimi Castle

Images: Daniel O'Grady

伏見藩

Fushimi Domain


松平 (久松)
1607 - 1616

Matsudaira (Hisamatsu)  Clan

50,000 Koku

内藤氏
1617 - 1619

Naito Clan

50,000 Koku

伏見城
Fushimi Castle is classified as a hilltop castle (its layout: Teikakushiki), and is located in Kyōto. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Yamashiro Province. It is associated with the Toyotomi clan. Dates in use: 1592 - 1623.

This castle was intended to be Toyotomi Hideyoshi's place of retirement but an earthquake just 2 years after it was completed reduced it to rubble. A new one was built in its place but he died before its completion.

After Hideyoshi's death, possession of the castle went to Torii Mototada, a vassal of the Tokugawa. A short time later the samurai of Japan were divided into two major factions, those aligned with the Toyotomi & those aligned with the Tokugawa. Just before the battle of Sekigahara where these two factions would face off, Ishida Mitsunari's armies were delayed here 11 days giving the Tokugawa time to prepare for the battle, a battle they ultimately won.

Google Map Views (グーグルマップ)


Best view ベストビュー
Orbit view 軌道ビュー

Timeline

1592 Toyotomi Hideyoshi had the castle constructed.
1596 The castle collapsed in an earthquake.
1597 A second attempt to build the castle commenced 500 meters away.
1598 The Toyotomi clan moved to Osaka Castle.
1600 Prior to the Battle of Sekigahara, the castle underwent a siege & was destroyed by fire.
1602 The castle was reconstructed at the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
1619 The decision was made to dismantle the castle. The following years would see its gates, turrets & other buildings being sent to other castles & temples all over Japan.
1625 The castle was abandoned.
1964 The third incarnation of the castle was constructed in yet a different location.