Hamada Castle is classified as a hilltop castle, and is located in Shimane Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Iwami Province. It is associated with the Yoshida clan. Dates in use: 1619 - 1866.

Hamada castle was one of the rare castles to have kept its original main tower for most of the Edo period. It was a three-layer building that stood 14 meters tall. In 1866 however, approaching Chōshu forces prompted the lord of the castle to torch all buildings.

All defensive enclosures were laid out at the top of a hill. In addition to the Honmaru, Nino maru & the Sanno maru, there was a Demaru located on the west side of the main & secondary enclosures to strengthen the entrance.

Timeline

1619	The efforts of Yoshida Shigeharu earnt him this 54,000 koku fief.
1620	The building of Hamada castle commenced.
1623	Construction of the castle town was completed.
1648	A second generation Yoshida lord was installed at the castle.
1649	The Matsui branch of the Matsudaira clan were transferred here.
1759	During the reign of the 5th generation Matsui lord, control was transferred to the Honda clan. The Matsui were transferred to the Furukawa fief in present-day Ibaraki Prefecture.
1769	The Honda clan were transferred to Okazaki castle & were replaced by the clan who had left 10 years prior, the Matsui.
1866	The castle was set fire to & abandoned.
1967	The gate pictured was transferred here from the local government office. It was originally located at a samurai residence in Tsuwano.

Historical recognition

Site	Prefectural Historic Site