* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Otsu Castle
大津城
Otsu Castle is a historic castle in the Kansai region (Built 1586 (Tensho 14), abandoned 1601 (Keicho 6)). Its lord was Kyogoku Takatsugu.
Overview
Founding
Otsu Castle was a flatland fortress on the southwestern shore of Lake Biwa in Hamaotsu, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. It was built in 1586 (Tensho 14) by Asano Nagamasa on the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, replacing Sakamoto Castle as the region's stronghold controlling Lake Biwa's water transport. Its main bailey faced directly onto the lake and incorporated a harbor, making it a "water castle."
Lords of the Castle
Following its construction, the castle passed through the hands of Asano Nagamasa (1586-1589), Masuda Nagamori (1589-1590), and Shinjo Naoyori (1591-1595) before Kyogoku Takatsugu took possession with a 60,000-koku fief in 1595 (Bunroku 4). Takatsugu remained castellan until 1600.
Structure
Otsu Castle featured a four-story, five-level watchtower-style keep, but its stone walls stood only about two meters high, indicating it was not designed for a prolonged siege. Its lakeside position was primarily intended to secure control of water transport.
The Battle of Sekigahara Campaign — The Siege of Otsu
On the 7th day of the 9th month of Keichō 5 (1600), Kyogoku Takatsugu, aligned with the Eastern Army, held Otsu Castle against a Western Army force of roughly 15,000 led by Mori Motoyasu and Tachibana Muneshige as they marched toward Sekigahara. Despite bombardment from Nagara-yama, Takatsugu resisted until the 15th day of that month, when he surrendered following a recommendation from Tachibana Muneshige. The siege is said to have delayed part of the Western Army from joining the main battle at Sekigahara, contributing to the Eastern Army's victory. After the war, Takatsugu was transferred, with an increased fief, to the whole of Wakasa Province.
Present Day
The castle was abandoned in 1601 (Keicho 6), and its structures, including the keep, are said to have been relocated to Hikone and Zeze castles. Today only a stone monument marks the former main bailey, and the site holds no official cultural property designation. Stone wall remains were excavated in 1980, and a portion of what is believed to be the outer moat's stonework survives behind the Otsu Matsuri Hikiyama Exhibition Hall.
Connection to Swords
Not applicable
Highlights
- Water castle on the shore of Lake Biwa
- Site of the Siege of Otsu during the Sekigahara campaign
- Kyogoku Takatsugu's defense held down some 15,000 Western Army troops
- Its keep is said to have been relocated to Hikone and Zeze castles
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.