Ōtaki Castle is classified as a hilltop castle (its layout: Renkakushiki), and is located in Chiba Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Kazusa Province. It is associated with the Satomi, Matsudaira (Ōkōchi) clans. Dates in use: 1590 - 1871.

As fine a looking central tower as that of Ōtaki's is, its design may not even resemble the one that burnt to the ground in 1842. Instead it is based upon details from an earlier incarnation, most likely that of the Mariyatsu clan. I wish I could offer more clarity but it really is hard to make sense of the conflicting sources of information out there.

Housed within the tower are the obligatory arms & armour related to the samurai of the castle & the surrounding area.

Timeline

1521	Fortifications were established in the vicinity by the Mariyatsu clan.
1544	The area was seized by the Satomi clan.
1590	Tokugawa Ieyasu placed Honda Tadakatsu here to keep the Satomi clan in check. A modern castle was built.
1617	The Abe clan were transferred here.
1619	The domain was abandoned.
1623	The Aoyama clan were ordered to re-establish the domain.
1625	After just two years the domain was once again abandoned.
1638	A different branch of the Abe clan were transferred here.
1671	Yet another branch of the Abe clan were transferred here.
1672	Permission was sought to undertake major rebuilding/repairs of the castle. Approval was given and the work was carried out.
1702	The Inagaki clan were transferred here. They would leave the following year.
1703	The Ōkōchi branch of the Matsudaira clan were transferred here.
1842	The main tower was lost in a blaze.
1844	Several buildings were rebuilt including a still-surviving gate, the Ni-no-maru Goten Yagui Gate, and in the place of the Tenshu (main tower), a two-story temple was built.
1871	The castle was abandoned.
1975	A three-layered main tower was built.

Historical recognition

Site	Prefectural Historic Site