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Marugame Castle

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description Marugame Castle Overview

Marugame Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle situated on Mount Kinka in Marugame, Kagawa Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku. Constructed during the Edo period, its current main keep (*tenshu*) was completed in 1660 under the rule of the Kyogoku clan. It is one of only twelve surviving original wooden keeps in Japan and is noted for its unique architectural feature of being a multi-tiered, single-story structure visible from the outside. The castle grounds are also distinguished by their impressively steep stone walls, which were built using a precise carving and placement technique.

help Marugame Castle FAQ

Is the keep at Marugame Castle an original wooden structure?

Yes. The current wooden keep dates to 1660 and is one of Japan's small group of surviving original castle keeps from before the modern period.

Why is Marugame Castle famous for its stone walls?

The castle rises through several tiers of tall, carefully curved stonework on Mount Kameyama. These walls create the dramatic approach to the comparatively small three-story keep.

Which clan ruled Marugame Castle during the Edo period?

The Kyogoku clan governed Marugame for much of the Edo period and completed the surviving keep. Earlier construction at the site was associated with the Ikoma and Yamazaki clans.

How demanding is the walk to Marugame Castle's keep?

Reaching the keep requires a steep uphill walk from the lower grounds. The climb rewards visitors with broad views across Marugame and toward the Seto Inland Sea.

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