* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Obama Castle
小浜城
Obama Castle is a historic castle in the Chūbu region (Early Edo Period (Keichō–Kan'ei era, early 17th century)). Its lord was Kyōgoku Takatsugu, construction begun Keichō 6 (1601) → Sakai Tadakatsu, entered Kan'ei 11 (1634).
Overview
Obama Castle (Obama-jō) is an early Edo-period umijiro (sea castle) located in Obama City, Fukui Prefecture. Its construction was begun in Keichō 6 (1601) by Kyōgoku Takatsugu, lord of Wakasa Province. It stands at the mouth of the river at Obama Port, facing Wakasa Bay, and is a water castle surrounded on three sides by the sea and by the Minami River and Kita River. Its literary name is Unpin-jō. The three-tier keep survived until the Meiji Restoration, but after a fire in Meiji 4 (1871) destroyed most of the castle, it was sold and dismantled in Meiji 7 (1874). Since Sakai Tadakatsu entered the domain in Kan'ei 11 (1634), the castle served as the administrative seat of the Obama Domain (113,500 koku) until the Meiji Restoration. Today, the keep base stone walls and the honmaru stone walls survive in good condition, and the castle is known as a symbolic ruin that tells the history of Wakasa. It is a historic site designated by Fukui Prefecture and a representative early-modern castle of the Wakasa region. The castle grounds also offer a view overlooking Wakasa Bay, and the site is one of the tourist hubs of Obama City.
Connection to Swords
Wakasa Province, where Obama Castle is located (the area around present-day Obama City, Fukui Prefecture), was also a place where swordsmiths were active. In addition, Sakai Tadakatsu, lord of the Obama Domain, was a powerful figure who served as a rōjū (senior councilor) of the Tokugawa shogunate. Wakasa is geographically close to Kyoto, and Obama Castle can be described as a castle located at the crossroads of Hokuriku and Kinki.
Highlights
- Keep base stone walls — well-preserved stone wall remains that still convey the foundations of the three-tier keep, with a view spreading out over Wakasa Bay
- Honmaru stone walls — stone walls about 11 m high surround the outer perimeter of the honmaru
- View of Wakasa Bay — a scenic spot from which Wakasa Bay, the blue sea, and the Obama urban area can be seen at a glance
- Obama City Library (near Obama Station) — historical materials on the Obama Domain and the Sakai family can be viewed
- Sotomo meguri — a scenic spot where you tour the cliff coast within Obama Bay by boat, a sightseeing course paired with Obama Castle
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.