Sasayama Castle Ruins

Overview

Sasayama Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu as part of a nationwide construction project (tenka fujin), serving as a crucial stronghold to check the power of the Toyotomi clan. In 1609 (Keicho 14), Matsudaira Yasushige was transferred from Yagami Castle in Tango Province to Sasayama and ordered to construct the new castle. With Todo Takatora responsible for the layout and Ikeda Terumasa serving as the chief construction officer, it was completed in a remarkable six months by 20 daimyo from 15 provinces. This incredible speed is also noteworthy. Sasayama Castle's defining characteristic is the absence of a keep (tenshu). This is believed to have been due to the shogunate's concerns about the castle's excessive strength. In reality, it's also said that Ieyasu criticized the extended construction period, as most of the daimyo involved in the Sasayama Castle construction were later moved to participate in the construction of Nagoya Castle. Instead of a keep, Sasayama Castle boasts magnificent stone walls, moats, and the restored Daishoin. The stone walls played a vital role in the castle's defense. Notably, it featured an inner and outer moat, with the honmaru (main enclosure) and ninomaru within the inner moat. The outer moat's perimeter is almost perfectly square, measuring approximately 400 meters on each side, with fortified outworks (umade) at the east, north, and south gates. The earthen walls surrounding the Ninomaru project outwards in a screen-fold style in several places, minimizing blind spots in the narrow passageways. The restored Daishoin allows visitors to imagine the life of the feudal lord of that time. The spacious rooms and gardens evoke the splendor of the era. The surrounding area retains a strong atmosphere of a castle town, with traditional streets perfect for historical exploration. There are many attractions, including the Oteshucho Bukeyashiki (samurai residences) and the Sasayama Castle Town area, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Sasayama Castle Ruins offer a unique charm unlike other castles, combining defensive structures like stone walls and moats, the Daishoin, and the castle town ambiance. It's a spot that can be enjoyed by history buffs and casual visitors alike.