* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Noshima Castle
能島城
Noshima Castle is a historic castle in the Shikoku region (Built in the Muromachi period, abandoned 1588 (Tensho 16)). Its lord was Noshima Murakami clan (Murakami Masafusa, Murakami Takeyoshi).
Overview
Overview
Noshima Castle was a sea castle (naval fortress) built on the island of Noshima in the Geiyo archipelago of Miyakubo, Imabari, Ehime Prefecture. Its grounds covered Noshima—an island lying between Oshima and Ushima—together with the adjacent islet of Taizaki to the south. It served as the base of the Noshima Murakami clan, one of the three branches of the Murakami naval forces once called "the greatest pirates of Japan." Designated a National Historic Site as the "Noshima Castle Site" in 1953 (Showa 28), it is the only one of the sea castles of the Geiyo islands and their surroundings that fortified an entire islet to hold this designation, and it was selected in 2017 as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (No. 178).
Construction and the Noshima Murakami Clan
Noshima Castle is thought to have been built by the Noshima Murakami clan from the mid-to-late 14th century onward. Together with the Kurushima and Innoshima Murakami branches, the clan controlled maritime traffic through the Geiyo islands, collecting tolls and providing pilotage and naval escort. During the Sengoku period, Murakami Takeyoshi led the clan and, allied with the Mori clan, played a key role in struggles for command of the Seto Inland Sea.
Structure
The waters around Noshima have swift, complex tidal currents that form a natural stronghold. The entire island was fortified with baileys including the main, second, and third enclosures. Numerous holes cut into the shoreline rocks (rock pits), thought to be post holes for piers and similar structures, survive along the shoreline, testifying to a naval base where numerous warships were moored and operated.
Connection to Arms and the Navy
The Noshima Murakami were an armed maritime force skilled in naval tactics using weapons such as horoku incendiary projectiles, and they were deeply involved in the conflicts among daimyo as a Seto Inland Sea power. The castle itself was designed around the anchoring and sortie of warships, functioning as a sea fortress that supported armed naval retainers.
Present State
In 1588 (Tensho 16), Toyotomi Hideyoshi's edict banning piracy ended the historic role of the Murakami navy, and Noshima Castle was abandoned. Because the island long remained uninhabited thereafter, its fortress remains are well preserved. There is no regular ferry service to Noshima; reservation-only landing tours and tidal-current cruises operate only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and together with the nearby Murakami Kaizoku Museum in Imabari, the site conveys the history of the naval forces.
Connection to Swords
The Noshima Murakami were a Seto Inland Sea naval force armed with swords, spears, bows, and firearms, and the castle was the stronghold of this armed maritime group.
Highlights
- The only island-wide sea castle around the Geiyo islands designated a National Historic Site
- Base of the Murakami navy (Noshima branch)
- Rock pits from piers and other structures
- Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (No. 178)
- Natural stronghold of tidal currents
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.