
Images: Fujinamiism
笠間藩
Kasama Domain
松平 (松井)

Matsudaira (Matsui) Clan
30,000 Koku
小笠原氏

Ogasawara Clan
30,000 Koku
松平 (戸田)

Matsudaira (Toda) Clan
30,000 Koku
永井氏

Nagai Clan
32,000 Koku
浅野氏

Asano Clan
53,000 Koku
井上氏

Inoue Clan
50,000 Koku
松平 (本庄)

Matsudaira (Honjō) Clan
40,000 Koku
井上氏

Inoue Clan
50,000 Koku
牧野氏

Makino Clan
80,000 Koku
笠間城
Kasama Castle is classified as a mountain castle, and is located in Ibaraki Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Hitachi Province. It is associated with the Kasama, Makino clans. Dates in use: 1219 - 1871.
All but forgotten since the castle was decommissioned in the early Meiji period, it seems the ruins of Kasama castle will finally be getting some attention. The local government announced in March, 2011 that a large-scale survey would be undertaken of the site. A budget of ¥5,740,000 has been allocated. There are exceedingly few examples of Mountain castles with stonework remaining in the Kantō region, hence the interest.
Fortifications were established atop Mt. Sashiro during the Kamakura period and continued to be in use for over 600 years. Little remains of the castle except for some stonework, one relocated turret & two relocated gates.
Timeline
1219 | The first fortifications were built by this year. |
1235 | Construction of the castle was completed. |
1590 | Toyotomi Hideyoshi's armies destroyed the Utsunomiya clan & their retainers, the Kasama clan, who where lords of the castle. The Tamanyu clan were given control of the castle. |
1598 | The Gamō clan were transferred here. They renovated & expanded the castle. |
1747 | The Makino clan were transferred here. Nine generations resided here until the end of the castle's life. |
1871 | The castle was abandoned. |
1873 | Most buildings were demolished. |
1880 | The Hachiman Turret was relocated to the Shinjōji temple. |
2011 | It was announced that a large-scale study would be undertaken of the castle ruins. |
Historical recognition
Site | National Historic Site |
Gate | City designated Important Cultural Property |