Obama Castle is classified as a flatland castle (its layout: Rinkakushiki), and is located in Fukui Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Wakasa Province. It is associated with the Kyōgoku, Sakai clans. Dates in use: 1601 - 1871.

Almost completely surrounded by water, the setting of this castle is just fantastic. It sits on the shores of the Sea of Japan, on a needle-like peninsular formed by two rivers. Classified as a Flatland castle, it easily satisfies the criteria of Water castle. The original castle was quite a compact site with a large number of turrets, bridges & gates. It was one of a select group of castles that had retained its main tower for most of the Edo period.

Nowadays, the castle is all but forgotten. Though, I do notice Obama trending on Twitter. Curious. The stonework of the inner-most enclosure has survived to the present and sits amongst a crowd of houses.

Timeline

1601	Construction of the castle was initiated by the Kyōgoku Clan.
1634	The Sakai clan were transferred here.
1636	The three-story central tower was completed.
1871	The majority of the buildings were torched. The central tower would last a few more years.
1872	Sections of stonework on the eastern side of the castle were dismantled.
1874	The castle was finally decommissioned, and the main tower was brought down.
1875	A shrine was built in the main enclosure of the castle.

Historical recognition

Site	Prefectural Historic Site