Kōriyama Castle Explained

Kōriyama Castle
Nativename-A:郡山城
Location:Yamatokōriyama, Nara, Japan
Map Type:Japan Nara Prefecture#Japan
Map Relief:1
Type:yamashiro-style Japanese castle
Controlledby:Mizuno clan, Matsudaira clan, Honda clan, Yanagisawa clan
Open To Public:Yes
Built:1580
Builder:Tsutsui Junkei
Used:until 1873

is a Japanese castle in what is now the city of Yamatokōriyama, Nara Prefecture, Japan. The Sengoku daimyō Tsutsui Junkei started construction of the castle, and Toyotomi Hidenaga made it his residence.[1] In the Edo period, it became the headquarters of the Kōriyama Domain. During this time it was held by members of the Mizuno, Okudaira Matsudaira, Honda, Fujii Matsudaira, and Yanagisawa clans.

Kōriyama Castle is known in part for some unusual components in its stone walls, including gravetones and a stone image of Jizo, a deity associated with children and protection.[2]

Today, many walls and moats are preserved in a public park in the city. Several turrets and a gate were reconstructed in the 1980's.[3] The Yanagisawa Shrine stands on the grounds.

The Castle was listed as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles in 2017.[4] In 2022, it was also designated a National Historic Site.[5]

Access

The nearest station is Kintetsu-Kōriyama.

Sources

This article incorporates material from the articles 郡山城 (大和国) (Kōriyama-jō (Yamato no Kuni)) and 郡山藩 (Kōriyama-han) in the Japanese Wikipedia, retrieved on May 4, 2008.

Literature

Notes and References

  1. http://www.city.yamatokoriyama.nara.jp/engrish/histry.htm Yamatokoriyama
  2. Kōriyama Castle https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1000/
  3. http://www.japanese-castle-explorer.com/castle_profile.html?name=Koriyama
  4. Web site: 続日本100名城 . 29 November 2017 . 日本城郭協会. ja. 25 July 2019.
  5. Web site: 文化審議会の答申(史跡等の指定等)について . Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan . 文化庁報道発表 . 19 August 2024.