Minakuchi Castle

Overview

Minakuchi Castle was a Japanese castle located in Minakuchi, Kokacho, Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. Its remains are now a prefecturally designated historical site. Commissioned in 1634 (Kan'ei 11) by Tokugawa Iemitsu as lodging during his visits to Kyoto, it replaced the existing Minakuchi Goten (palace). Kobori Masakazu (Enshu) served as the construction supervisor, employing carpenters from the Nakai family, the leading carpenters under the Kyoto city government. The castle boasted a magnificent palace modeled after the one in Nijo Castle. However, it served as shogunal lodgings only during Iemitsu's single visit. Afterwards, the castle was managed by castle guards appointed by the shogunate as a 'banjo' (guarded castle). In 1682 (Tenwa 2), Kato Akiyuto entered the castle with 20,000 koku of rice stipends, establishing Minakuchi Domain. Until then, it had been managed by castle guards as a shogunal lodging; however, it then became the domain lord's castle. While the Torii clan briefly served as lords, the Kato clan eventually returned as rulers with 25,000 koku. Successive Minakuchi lords carefully managed the castle as a structure borrowed from the shogunate, notably refraining from using the honmaru (main enclosure) palace (administrative affairs were conducted in the ninomaru, or second enclosure). The honmaru palace remained unused after Iemitsu's visit and was demolished during the Shōtoku era. The honmaru remained vacant until the Meiji Restoration, at which point Minakuchi Castle was abandoned. Minakuchi Castle was located west of Minakuchi-juku on the Tōkaidō (Tokaido Road). Minakuchi town had a dual nature, with a post town to the east and a castle town to the west. The castle comprised two enclosures: the honmaru, surrounded by moats, and the ninomaru, housing administrative facilities. The ninomaru lacked a moat, instead being surrounded by an earthen wall-like fence, separating the inner and outer castle areas. Initially, the old Tōkaidō passed through the ninomaru section. Later, the Tōkaidō was rerouted north, leaving the ninomaru section obstructing the road. Today, only the castle ruins remain, but they offer a glimpse into the past. The Minakuchi Castle Museum, located on the site, provides insight into the castle's history and culture, showcasing models and photographs. It also hosts various events. Minakuchi Castle ruins are a must-see for history enthusiasts. Visit and experience the echoes of the past.