
Images: Fujinamiism
沼田藩
Numata Domain
真田氏

Sanada Clan
27,000 Koku
本多氏

Honda Clan
20,000 Koku
黒田氏

Kuroda Clan
25,000 Koku
土岐氏

Toki Clan
35,000 Koku
沼田城
Numata Castle is classified as a hilltop castle, and is located in Gunma Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Kōzuke Province. It is associated with the Numata, Sanada clans. Dates in use: 1532 - 1682.
Apparently, this castle was regarded as one of the most imposing in all Japan. Whether this opinion was justified or just wishful thinking is hard to judge as little remains from the original construction or subsequent reconstructions. Aside from sections of stone wall, there is the rebuilt Taiko turret & a revered cherry blossom tree called the Goten zakura.
During the Sengoku period, many battles were fought to capture the castle by the Uesugi, Takeda & the Hōjō clans.
Timeline
1532 | The castle was built during the reign of the 12th generation lord of the Numata clan, Akiyasu. |
1580 | The Sanada clan seized the castle from the Hōjō clan. |
1597 | A five-layer main tower was built. |
1681 | Due to maladministration, The Sanada clan lost the fief & the castle was abandoned. |
1703 | The fief was re-established. The castle was renovated. No main tower was built. |
1869 | The castle was abandoned. |
Historical recognition
Site | City Historic Site |