Images: Daniel O'Grady
郡山藩
Koriyama Domain
水野氏
1615 - 1619
Mizuno Clan
60,000 Koku
松平 (奥平)
1619 - 1639
Matsudaira (Okudaira) Clan
120,000 Koku
本多氏
1639 - 1679
Honda Clan
150,000 Koku
松平 (藤井)
1679 - 1682
Matsudaira (Fujii) Clan
120,000 Koku
本多氏
1685 - 1723
Honda Clan
120,000 Koku
柳沢氏
1724 - 1871
Yanagisawa Clan
Koku
大和郡山城
Yamato Koriyama Castle is classified as a hilltop castle (its layout: Rinkakushiki), and is located in Nara Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Yamato Province. It is associated with the Tsutsui, Toyotomi, Honda, Yanagisawa clans. Dates in use: 1580 - 1873.
Tsutsui Junkei relocated here from nearby Tsutsui Castle in 1580 after defeating his rivals, unfortunately though, Junkei would pass away a short time later. The next person to occupy the castle was Hashiba Hidenaga who not only improved the castle but instituted many local reforms. Koriyama Castle would see out its days in the service of the Yanagisawa clan's Men of Letters.
The remaining moats, towering stonework & overall rustic charm really impress. The grounds are quite extensive with several surprises. Keep an eye out for some re-purposed stonework. There are several historical buildings though none of them were related to castle defence. The turrets & gate date from the 1980's.
Timeline
1580 | Tsutsui Junkei began construction of the castle. |
1583 | The main tower was completed. |
1584 | Tsutsui Junkei died. |
1585 | Hashiba Hidenaga began occupying the castle. |
1595 | The Masuta clan were stationed here. |
1600 | Following the battle of Sekigahara, the Ōkubo were stationed here. |
1615 | The Mizuno clan were stationed here. |
1619 | The Mizuno clan were transferred to Fukuyama & were replaced by the Okudaira branch of the Matsudaira clan. A palace was built in the Nino enclosure using materials from Fushimi Castle. |
1639 | The Okudaira clan were transferred to Himeji Castle. |
1679 | The Fujii branch of the Matsudaira clan were stationed here. |
1685 | The Honda clan were stationed here. |
1724 | The Yanagisawa clan were stationed here. |
1873 | The castle was abandoned. |
1983 | The Ōtemon was reconstructed. |
1984 | The Ōte Higashisumi Turret was reconstructed. |
1987 | The Ōtemon Watari Turret was reconstructed. |
Historical recognition
Site | Prefectural Historic Site |