
Images: Daniel O'Grady
丸岡藩
Maruoka Domain
本多氏

Honda Clan
40,000 Koku
有馬氏

Arima Clan
50,000 Koku
丸岡城
Maruoka Castle is classified as a hilltop castle (its layout: Renkakushiki), and is located in Fukui Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Echizen Province. It is associated with the Shibata clan. Dates in use: 1576 - 1871.
This castle is quite the survivor. It is Japan's oldest castle & while it lacks the grandeur of Japan's other original castles, it is quite an interesting specimen. One unique aspect of this castle is its stone-tiled roof which even includes the ornamental Shachi-hoko. Unfortunately, the main tower collapsed during an earthquake in 1948 but was rebuilt 7 years later using much of its original materials.
This is another surviving artifact of Maruoka castle. It is the Akazu Gate which has been relocated several kilometres to the south-east.
Timeline
1576 | The castle was built by Shibata Katsui's nephew, Katsutoyo. |
1583 | Toyotomi Hideyoshi defeated the Shibata clan. |
1600 | Ownership changed yet again following the battle of Sekigahara. |
1612 | The Honda clan were transferred here. |
1695 | The Arima clan were transferred here. |
1871 | The domain was abandoned and the castle grounds entered private ownership. |
1901 | The castle was donated to the town. |
1948 | The main tower collapsed in an earthquake. |
1955 | The main tower was rebuilt using materials from the original construction. |
Historical recognition
Main Tower | Important Cultural Property |