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Fukui Castle, erected in 1606 by Yuki Hideyasu, Tokugawa Ieyasu's clandestine son, stands as a testament to a complex family history. Born to Oman, a servant of Ieyasu's wife Tsukiyama Dono, Yuki Hideyasu was concealed by his father out of fear of marital discord. Raised in the shadows until his emergence as a samurai, Yuki proved his mettle in numerous battles, earning accolades from Ieyasu himself.

At the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara, Yuki Hideyasu sided with his father's Eastern forces, showcasing his prowess once more and garnering Ieyasu's admiration. In recognition of his valor, Ieyasu granted him the lands of Shibata Katsuie in Echizen Province (now Fukui Prefecture) and aided in the construction of Fukui Castle. Designed by Ieyasu and fortified with stones from Kitanosho Castle, the castle complex, including the Honmaru and Ni-no-maru precincts, took six years to complete.

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In 1624, Fukui Castle was formally christened by its third lord, Matsudaira Tadamasa, marking the beginning of Fukui Domain's rule under the Matsudaira clan for 270 years. Although the castle's iconic five-story tower keep succumbed to flames in 1669 and was never rebuilt, the resilient stone walls and expansive moats endure as silent witnesses to centuries of history.

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Today, the former castle grounds host governmental and law enforcement offices, yet echoes of Fukui Castle's legacy persist. A monumental stone statue of Yuki Hideyasu graces the landscape, while ongoing efforts seek to enhance the site's historical authenticity, including the restoration of strategic gates like the Rokabashi bridge and the Yamazato-guchi Gomon Gate. The castle's original stone base remains accessible to the public, offering a glimpse into Fukui's storied past amidst the modernity of Fukui Prefecture.

 


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