* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Shōryūji Castle
勝龍寺城
Shōryūji Castle is a historic castle in kinki dating from the Built circa 1469–1487; renovated in 1568 (Eiroku 11), whose lord was Hosokawa Fujitaka (Yūsai) / Akechi Mitsuhide.
Overview
Shōryūji Castle in Nagaokakyō, Kyoto Prefecture, is most famous as the home of Hosokawa Gracia (Tama), who spent her early married years here after wedding Hosokawa Tadaoki in 1578. The daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide, she later converted to Christianity and met a heroic death at the outset of the Battle of Sekigahara rather than be taken hostage. The castle also served as Akechi Mitsuhide's last refuge after his defeat at the Battle of Yamazaki in 1582. Castle lord Hosokawa Fujitaka (Yūsai) was one of the greatest sword connoisseurs in Japanese history, also renowned as a poet and transmitter of the Kokin-denju literary tradition.
Connection to Swords
Shōryūji Castle's sword heritage centers on Hosokawa Fujitaka (Yūsai), one of the most accomplished sword connoisseurs in Japanese history. Trusted by Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu for his discerning eye, Fujitaka's collection forms the core of the Eisei-Bunko in Tokyo — one of Japan's premier sword art repositories, holding numerous national treasures. His son Tadaoki (Sansai), a disciple of Sen no Rikyū and one of the 'Seven Masters of Tea,' collected blades that unified martial power and aesthetic refinement. The castle's connection to Akechi Mitsuhide — whose defeat here ended the Honnōji Incident's aftermath — adds another layer of sword legend to its history.
Highlights
- Shōryūji Castle Park (reconstructed stone walls, moats, and turret)
- Gracia Museum inside the castle (Hosokawa Gracia's life and Sengoku-era women)
- Gracia Festival (October, grand historical procession)
- Eisei-Bunko Museum (Tokyo, Meguro) — Hosokawa clan sword collection, national treasures
- Yamazaki battlefield / Tennōzan (site of the decisive battle after Honnōji)
- Nagaoka Tenmangu Shrine's Kirishima azaleas
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.