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Maruoka Castle

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description Maruoka Castle Overview

Maruoka Castle is a hilltop Japanese castle located in Fukui Prefecture, traditionally believed to have been constructed in 1576 under the direction of Shibata Katsutoyo. It is distinguished by its three-story main keep, which is one of only twelve original keeps remaining in Japan that survived the post-feudal era intact. The structure is noted for its steeply pitched roof designed to withstand heavy snowfall. The site is preserved as a public park and museum for visitors interested in Japanese feudal history.

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Is Maruoka Castle one of the twelve original castles in Japan?

Yes, Maruoka Castle is one of only twelve Japanese castles that retains its original wooden main keep (Tenshu) from the feudal era. Surviving natural disasters and wars, these twelve castles are highly prized national landmarks. Maruoka Castle is widely considered to have the oldest surviving keep in the country.

What is the architectural style of Maruoka Castle's keep?

The main keep of Maruoka Castle features a relatively rare two-tiered, three-story architectural layout. It is built in the "Boro" (watchtower) style, characterized by a small gable roof on the top floor. It is also famous for its thick stone walls designed to withstand earthquakes and sieges.

When was Maruoka Castle originally built?

Maruoka Castle is traditionally dated to 1576, constructed under the direction of Shibata Katsutoyo, a nephew of the famous samurai Shibata Katsuie. It was built to secure the northern Hokuriku region for Oda Nobunaga. This early date places its construction right at the peak of the Sengoku (Warring States) period.

What is the famous legend associated with Maruoka Castle?

Maruoka Castle is famous for the legend of "O-shizu", a human sacrifice allegedly buried beneath the castle's stone walls to appease the gods when they kept collapsing during construction. Legend says that in return for her life, her family was promised tax exemptions, a promise that was reportedly forgotten. To this day, a festival is held in her honor.

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