Maruoka Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maruoka Castle丸岡城 |
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| Sakai, Fukui Prefecture, Japan | |
Donjon of Maruoka Castle
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 Maruoka Castle
丸岡城 
Maruoka Castle
丸岡城 |
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| Coordinates | 36°09′08″N 136°16′20″E / 36.152347°N 136.272097°E |
| Type | hirayama-style Japanese castle |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1576 |
| Built by | Shibata Katsutoyo |
| In use | Sengoku-Edo period |
| Demolished | 1871 |
Maruoka Castle (丸岡城, Maruoka-jō) is a Japanese castle built on a low hill in Sakai, Fukui Prefecture, Japan. It is also known as Kasumi-ga-jō (霞ヶ城, Mist Castle). This name comes from a cool legend! People say that whenever enemies came near, a thick mist would appear and hide the castle.
This castle was built during the Sengoku period (a time of wars). Later, during the peaceful Edo period, different powerful lords called daimyō lived here. Today, the castle grounds are a public park. It is very famous for its beautiful cherry trees. Maruoka Castle's main tower, called a tenshu, claims to be the oldest in Japan. However, other castles like Inuyama Castle and Matsumoto Castle also make this claim.
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Castle Location and Design
Maruoka Castle sits on a small hill. This hill is in the flat lands north of Fukui City. The area around the hill was made flat. It was protected by strong walls and a moat shaped like a pentagon.
The castle was built in an important spot. It was on a main road connecting different parts of Japan. This made it a key place for trade and travel.
History of Maruoka Castle
Building the Castle
Maruoka Castle was built in 1576. It was constructed by Shibata Katsutoyo. He was the nephew of Shibata Katsuie, a famous general under Oda Nobunaga.
The castle's design looks older than its actual building time. It was built on a low hill. So, the main tower was placed on a tall stone base. This made the castle look taller and more impressive. The builders used rough, uncut stones for the base. This was a new technique back then.
The Tokugawa Government Era
After Shibata Katsutoyo passed away in 1583, the Aoyama family took over the castle. But they lost it after the Battle of Sekigahara. This battle was a big turning point in Japanese history.
Then, Tokugawa Ieyasu, who won the battle, gave the castle to his son's retainer. Later, in 1613, the Tokugawa shogunate (the government led by the Tokugawa family) gave Maruoka Castle to Honda Narishige. He was a brave general of Ieyasu.
The Honda family ruled Maruoka for many years. They finished building the castle and the town around it. But in 1695, the Honda family was replaced. The Arima clan then became the lords of Maruoka. The Arima family ruled for eight generations. They stayed in charge until 1871. This was when the old feudal system ended in Japan.
After the Meiji Restoration
After the Meiji Restoration in 1871, many Japanese castles were torn down. But Maruoka Castle's main tower was saved! The town of Maruoka bought it in 1901. It then became a public park. Over time, the moat around the castle was filled in.
The main tower was recognized as a national treasure in 1934. However, in 1948, a big earthquake hit Fukui. The castle's stone base was badly damaged, and the main tower collapsed. But don't worry! In 1955, the tower was rebuilt. They used many of the original parts. Today, the castle is an Important Cultural Property.
Uncovering the Castle's Age
For a long time, people thought Maruoka Castle was built in 1576. But in 2019, a team of experts studied the wood used in the main tower. They found that most of the main pillars were cut after 1626. This was a surprise!
This means the castle was either built much later than thought, or it was heavily rebuilt around 1628. This rebuilding would have happened when the Honda family ruled the castle. It's like a historical mystery!
Maruoka Castle Today
Maruoka Castle is special because it's one of only twelve castles in Japan. These castles still have their original main towers.
The castle grounds are now called Kasumigajo Park. You can still see parts of the old walls and moats. There's also a small museum. It shows old weapons, armor, and items from the castle's past lords.
The park is famous for its 400 cherry blossom trees. Every April, there's a cherry blossom festival. The trees are lit up with over 300 paper lanterns at night. It's a beautiful sight!
Unique Features of the Castle
The main tower of Maruoka Castle is 6.2 meters (about 20 feet) tall. It sits among Japanese black pine and cherry trees. To get inside, you climb a long staircase. The tower has three floors. The top floor was used as a watchtower.
The castle's main tower has some unique features:
- Stone Roof Tiles: The roof is covered with special tiles made from a local stone called shakudani. These stone tiles are very heavy, weighing about 60 tons! They were used because they kept the castle warm in winter.
- Fish-Tiger Ornaments: The roof also has cool stone ornaments called shachihako. These are mythical creatures that look like a mix of a fish and a tiger.
- Stone-Dropping Windows: On one side, there are special windows called ishiotoshimado. Defenders could shoot through these. They could also drop stones or pour hot water on enemies below!
- Hidden Floor: The main tower also has a secret floor. You can't see it from the outside!
The size and inside of Maruoka Castle's main tower are quite similar to Inuyama Castle.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo Maruoka para niños
