Fushimi Castle - 伏見城 (map)
photos: Daniel O'Grady
Location: |
Kyōto (Yamashiro Province) |
| 京都府 (山城国) | |
Clan: |
Toyotomi |
| 豊臣氏 | |
Dates: |
1592 - 1623 |
Type: |
Hilltop, Teikakushiki |
Main tower: |
5 layers / 6 stories. 1964 - present. |
Categories: |
Kansai | Reconstructed |
Summary:
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.
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. |
