Images: Fujinamiism
延岡藩
Nobeoka Domain
高橋氏
1587 - 1614
Takahashi Clan
50,000 Koku
有馬氏
1614 - 1692
Arima Clan
53,000 Koku
三浦氏
1692 - 1712
Mitsuura Clan
23,000 Koku
牧野氏
1712 - 1747
Makino Clan
80,000 Koku
内藤氏
1747 - 1871
Naitō Clan
70,000 Koku
延岡城
Nobeoka Castle is classified as a hilltop castle, and is located in Miyazaki Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Hyūga Province. It is associated with the Takahashi, Arima, Naitō clans. Dates in use: 1603 - 1870.
The small castle of Agata (県城) was built to more conveniently administer the lands of northern Hyūga, now Miyazaki Prefecture. Even following a restoration/expansion of the fortifications in 1653, there was only ever a handful of buildings & gates. The largest building on the site was a three-story turret. It would last just under 30 years before being burnt to the ground in a fire that had spread from the surrounding castle town.
There's a fantastic little story on the Official Nobeoka City website that goes thus: "It is said that if you remove a key stone from the wall, it will fall down and kill as many as one thousand invaders."
The above boast was left untested after Nobeoka castle finally saw its first battle in 1877. The defenders at the time were the forces of Saigō Takamori. They were driven from this place and met their end a short time later on a wooded hill above Kagoshima castle.
Timeline
1603 | Having started two years earlier, construction of Agata castle was completed. The Takahashi clan had been residing in nearby Matsuo castle since 1587. |
1613 | The Arima clan were transferred here. |
1653 | A major renovation of the castle was carried out. Upon completion, the castle was renamed Nobeoka castle. |
1682 | The three-story, central tower (this was a turret and not a keep) was lost in a blaze. |
1692 | The Mitsuura clan were transferred here. |
1712 | The Makino clan were transferred here. |
1747 | The Naitō clan were transferred here. They remained here throughout the rest of the Edo period. |
1871 | The castle was decommissioned. |
1877 | For a short period of time the castle was used by the rebellious armies of Saigō Takamori during the Seinan Rebellion. |
1993 | The Kita Ōte gate was rebuilt. |