
Images: Fujinamiism
大多喜藩
Ōtaki Domain
本多氏

Honda Clan
50,000 Koku
阿部氏

Abe Clan
30,000 Koku
青山氏

Aoyama Clan
20,000 Koku
阿部氏

Abe Clan
10,000 Koku
阿部氏

Abe Clan
16,000 Koku
稲垣氏

Inagaki Clan
25,000 Koku
松平 (大河内)

Matsudaira (Ōkōchi) Clan
20,000 Koku
大多喜城
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 |