
Images: Daniel O'Grady
小倉藩
Kokura Domain
細川氏

Hosokawa Clan
399,000 Koku
小笠原氏

Ogasawa Clan
150,000 Koku
小倉城
Kokura Castle is classified as a flatland castle (its layout: Renkakushiki), and is located in Fukuoka Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Buzen Province. It is associated with the Hosokawa, Ogasawara clans. Dates in use: 1602 - 1866.
When the castle was rebuilt in 1959, certain embellishments were included in the design that changed how the castle should be classified. The addition of several gables transformed what was a Sōtōgata-type tower - where each level is smaller than the one below it (excluding the upper most level) to a Bōrōgata-type tower - where a watchtower appears to emerge through it's roof.
The upper-most section of the tower, with its overhanging level, represents a highly unusual style of Tenshu. This style is known as Nanban-zukuri & was used in the construction of both Iwakuni & Takamatsu castles.
Timeline
1569 | Constructed by the Mōri clan of western Honshu. |
1600 | After Sekigahara the castle was awarded to Hosokawa Tadaoki. |
1602 | The castle was enlarged. |
1632 | The Hosokawa were transferred to Kumamoto castle. The Ogasawara took over. |
1637 | Miyamoto Musashi arrived at Kokura castle to assist the Ogasawara in quelling the Shimabara rebellion. |
1798 | The fifth Ogasawara lord, Tadamitsu had a garden with a pond made within the castle walls. |
1837 | The keep and attached tower were destroyed by fire. |
1839 | Many structures were rebuilt but the main tower was not. |
1866 | The castle was attacked by the rebelling armies of Western Honshu & was set fire to by retreating Ogasawara forces. |
1959 | The main tower was rebuilt using concrete. It's appearance differs from how it looked prior to the 1837 fire with several gables included to increase its visual appeal. |
1990 | A renovation of the interior of the main tower was completed. |
1998 | The Kokura Castle Japanese garden was completed. |