Many tourists flock to Iga Ueno in search of ninja experiences, often overlooking the city's centerpiece: Iga Ueno Castle, a prime example of Warring States period fortresses. Surprisingly, the Ninja Museum and Iga Ueno Castle share the same grounds, nestled within modern-day Ueno Park!
Construction of Iga Ueno Castle began in 1585 under Takigawa Katsutoshi's command, though he was soon stripped of his lands. The inner citadel, Honmaru, and keep were predominantly completed by the new lord appointed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tsutsui Sadatsugu, who took over in 1586.
In 1608, Tsutsui faced allegations of misrule, leading to his clan's dissolution by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Todo Takatora, renowned for his castle architectural prowess, assumed control. Takatora revamped the Honmaru and heightened the stone ramparts to an impressive 30 meters, earning the castle the moniker "White Phoenix" due to its resemblance to the mythical bird resting in the greenery below.
Sadly, a typhoon ravaged the main tower in 1612, and due to stringent Tokugawa laws and Ieyasu's political motives, it remained unreconstructed until 1935. The wooden five-story keep, reconstructed then, stands as a testament to Momoyama Period architecture and even featured in Akira Kurosawa's 1980 film "Kagemusha."
Today, Iga Ueno Castle houses a museum showcasing samurai arms, armor, scrolls, artworks, and regional artifacts, offering panoramic views of the city from its summit. Registered as a National Historical Site, the castle and its grounds hold significant cultural value.
Nearby attractions include the Ninja Farmhouse and Museum, along with a unique temple and museum dedicated to the wandering poet Matsuo Basho, adding to the allure of Iga Ueno Castle as a beloved symbol of the city.
Siehe auch
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Edo Castle
The history of Edo Castle dates back to the Heian period, when the Edo clan built a small fort on this site. In 1457, the vassal of the Uesugi clan, Ota Dokan (1432–1486), constructed a full-scale castle here. Internal conflicts weakened the Uesugi clan, and in 1524, Ota Dokan’s grandson, Ota Yasutaka, surrendered the castle without resistance to the forces of Hojo Soun, the ambitious leader of the Hojo clan. While Odawara Castle remained the clan's main stronghold, Edo was considered a key strategic fortress.
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Samurai Museum Shinjuku
Situated in the vibrant district of Shinjuku, the museum showcases an extensive collection of samurai armor, weapons, and cultural artifacts spanning from the Kamakura to the Edo period. The exhibits aim to convey the samurai's unwavering commitment to honor and discipline, reflecting how their spirit continues to influence modern Japanese culture.
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Anjo Castle
Anjo Castle was built on a slight elevation at the edge of the Hekikai Plateau, about 2 kilometers southeast of present-day central Anjo City in Aichi Prefecture. Today, the surrounding area thrives on large-scale agriculture and automotive manufacturing, utilizing the expansive flatlands and its proximity to the Nagoya region.
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Numata Castle
Numata Castle, located in Numata, northern Gunma Prefecture, Japan, has a rich and complex history. During the late Edo period, it served as the residence of the Toki clan, who ruled the Numata Domain. Over the centuries, the castle changed hands multiple times and was the site of significant battles during the Sengoku period.
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Iwabitsu Castle
Iwabitsu Castle is a yamashiro-style (mountain) castle located atop Mount Iwabitsu in Higashiagatsuma, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Recognized for its historical significance, its ruins have been protected as a National Historic Site since 2019.
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Tsutsujigasaki Castle
Tsutsujigasaki Castle (Tsutsujigasaki Yakata) served as the fortified residence of the last three generations of the Takeda clan and is located in the heart of Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Unlike traditional Japanese castles, it was not referred to as a "castle" in Japanese, as the Takeda clan famously believed in relying on their warriors as their true fortifications, stating, "Make men your castle, men your walls, men your moats." Designated a National Historic Site in 1938, the ruins are now open to the public and house the Takeda Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of the Takeda clan.
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Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle, originally built by the Owari Domain in 1612 during the Edo period, stands on the site of an earlier Oda clan castle from the Sengoku period. It became the centerpiece of Nagoya-juku, a significant castle town on the Minoji road, which connected two major Edo Five Routes: the Tokaido and the Nakasendo. In 1930, ownership of the castle was transferred to the city by the Imperial Household Ministry, establishing it as the focal point of modern Nagoya. Although partially destroyed in the Pacific War in 1945, the castle has undergone continuous restoration and preservation efforts since 1957.
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Matsushiro Castle
Matsushiro Castle, originally known as Kaizu Castle, is located in what was once Matsushiro town, now part of Nagano City. The site is recognized as a National Historic Site of Japan. Situated on the northern Shinano flatlands between the Chikuma River and a former riverbed that serves as a natural outer moat to the north, the castle and its surrounding town were prone to flooding due to their location.
