
Images: Daniel O'Grady
丸亀藩
Marugame Domain
生駒氏

Ikoma Clan
171,000 Koku
山崎氏

Yamasaki Clan
50,000 Koku
京極氏

Kyōgoku Clan
60,000 Koku
丸亀城
Marugame Castle is classified as a hilltop castle (its layout: Rinkakushiki), and is located in Kagawa Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Sanuki Province. It is associated with the Ikoma, Yamazaki clans. Dates in use: 1597 - 1871.
The massive walls of this castle are truly impressive. They really do speak to the cashed-up clan who built them, the Ikoma. The castle was decommissioned in 1615 but in 1641 it was given a new lease on life when the Yamazaki clan became lords of this castle. The Yamazaki were not a rich as the Ikoma & it was reflected in the construction of buildings that were much more modest than the mighty walls they sat atop.
Timeline
1597 | Construction of the castle was initiated by the Ikoma Clan. |
1602 | Construction completed. |
1615 | The castle was torn down & abandoned by order of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The law drastically reduced the number of castles nation wide. |
1641 | The Yamazaki clan were stationed here. Yamazaki Iehara started rebuilding the castle. |
1643 | Construction completed. |
1658 | The Kyogoku clan were stationed here. |
1670 | The Kyogoku clan completed further improvements to the castle such as the Oteichino & Otenino Gates. |
1869 | The Inui Turret of the Sannomaru burnt down. |
1871 | The castle was abandoned. |
1877 | Many buildings were torn down. |
Historical recognition
Site | National Historic Site |
Main Tower | Important Cultural Property |
Oteichino Gate | Important Cultural Property |
Otenino Gate | Important Cultural Property |