* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Chiba Castle (Inohana Castle)
千葉城（猪鼻城・亥鼻城）
Chiba Castle (Inohana Castle) is a historic castle in the Kantō region (A hill-plain castle said to have been established in 1126 by Chiba Tsuneshige in the late Heian period). Its lord was Chiba Tsuneshige (traditional founder); the Chiba clan; the Hara clan.
Overview
Overview
Chiba Castle, also called Inohana Castle (written 猪鼻城 or 亥鼻城), was a hill-plain castle in what is now Inohana Park, Chuo Ward, Chiba City. It stands on a rise about 21 meters above sea level and is known as a seat of the Chiba clan.
Background
Chiba Tsuneshige is said to have moved from Oshitsu Castle in Kazusa Province and established a residence at Inohana in Shimosa Province in 1126 (Taiji 1). The site was a natural stronghold, bounded by the Miyako River to the north and a cliff to the west. The Chiba, of Taira descent, held power in Kazusa and Shimosa.
Research on the Castle's Lords
The long-held belief that the Chiba occupied the castle for roughly 330 years is now being questioned; recent scholarship favors the view that it was actually built and maintained by the Hara clan. In 1455 Hara Taneo drove out Chiba Tanenao. Records say that in 1516 (Eisho 13) the castle was attacked by the Mikami clan and Hara Kurando was killed. The castle is thought to have been abandoned when the Chiba moved their base to Motosakura Castle.
Structure
A hill-plain castle with a Shinmei Shrine and the remains of a lookout at its tip. Traces of a turret platform, earthworks, and a moat cut survive, and the site is protected as a city cultural property.
Present Condition
Opened as a park in 1909 and developed as Inohana Park in 1959. A mock keep (five stories, about 32.6 m) built in 1967 houses the Chiba City Museum of Local History, with exhibits on the Chiba clan. The museum is reported closed for renovation from September 30, 2024, ahead of the 900th anniversary of Chiba, so check the reopening date. A cherry blossom festival is held each year from late March to early April.
Highlights
- Mock keep (Chiba City Museum of Local History) on the Chiba clan's historic ground
- Remains of a turret platform, earthworks, and moat cut
- Cherry blossom festival from late March to early April
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.