
Images: Daniel O'Grady
勝竜寺城
Shōryūji Castle is classified as a flatland castle (its layout: Teikakushiki), and is located in Kyōto. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Yamashiro Province. It is associated with the Hosokawa clan. Dates in use: 1339 - 1649.
This castle was established in 1339 by Hosokawa Yoriharu, a samurai loyal to the first of the Ashikaga shoguns & served as a strategically important castle in the defence of Kyoto. Much later, in 1578, the castle would become the residence of Gracia, wife of Hosokawa Tadaoki & daughter of the infamous Akechi Mitsuhide.
This rather compact, historical site appears to have erupted out of the ground in the middle of suburban Kyōto. There's a rebuilt corner turret & two gates that appear to have been rebuilt using traditional methods. There is one other building, an exhibition hall which contains artifacts & information relating to the site.
Timeline
1339 | Shoryuji castle was built by Hosokawa Yoriharu. |
1497 | The castle underwent restoration. |
1568 | Hosogawa Fujitaka was appointed lord of this castle by Oda Nobunaga. |
1571 | Oda Nobunaga ordered the castle undergo restoration. |
1582 | Akechi Mitsuhide used this castle as his base in the Battle of Yamazaki, a battle fought against & won by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The battle came about after Mitsuhide had attacked his lord, Oda Nobunaga, forcing him to commit suicide. |
1633 | The Nagai clan were stationed here. The castle they inherited was in very poor condition as it had been used as a donor in the building of nearby Yodo Castle. |
1649 | The castle was abandoned. |
1992 | The castle grounds were rebuilt. |