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