
Images: Daniel O'Grady
中津藩
Nakatsu Domain
細川氏

Hosokawa Clan
399,000 Koku
小笠原氏

Ogasawara Clan
80,000 Koku
奥平氏

Okudaira Clan
100,000 Koku
中津城
Nakatsu Castle is classified as a flatland castle, and is located in Ōita Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Buzen Province. It is associated with the Ogasawara, Okudaira clans. Dates in use: 1587 - 1871.
This castle along with Imabari & Takamatsu castles are noted as the Top Three Water Castles due to their utilisation of rivers and/or the ocean to enhance their defences. The main tower was reconstructed in the 60's to promote tourism & was actually modeled after that of Hagi Castle.
All in all, a very under-whelming castle to visit. For those seeking out the authentic remains of the castle there really is only a minor section of moat & the foundations of the main tower & attached turret. Quite obviously there is a main tower but no-one knows what the original one looked like.
Timeline
1588 | Castle constructed by Kuroda Josui. |
1600 | The Hosokawa Clan were stationed here. |
1632 | The Ogasawara Clan were stationed here. |
1717 | The Okudaira Clan were stationed here. |
1871 | The castle was abandoned. The remaining structures became the property of newly formed Oita Prefecture. |
1877 | The remaining structures were burnt during the Seinan war. |
1964 | The keep was reconstructed using concrete. |