* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Shozui Castle
勝瑞城
Shozui Castle is a historic castle in Shikoku dating from the Muromachi period, fell in 1582 (Tensho 10), whose lord was Hosokawa clan (Awa shugo) and Miyoshi clan.
Overview
Overview
Shozui Castle was a fortified castle and residence located in Aizumi, Itano District, Tokushima Prefecture, which flourished as the political, economic, and cultural center of Awa Province (present-day Tokushima) from the Muromachi through the Sengoku periods. The castle site and the adjacent residence site were designated a National Historic Site as the "Shozui Castle and Residence Site" on January 29, 2001.
From a Shugo Seat to the Miyoshi Base
The Hosokawa clan, military governors (shugo) of Awa, first placed their governor's office in Akizuki in Awa City but later moved it to Shozui. The Miyoshi clan, who held real power in Awa during the Sengoku period, also made this their base. Miyoshi Jikkyu wrested control of Shozui from his lord Hosokawa Mochitaka, and thereafter it became the seat of Miyoshi rule over Awa. The Miyoshi expanded into the capital region, and Shozui reached its height as the political and cultural center of the Awa Miyoshi.
Structure
The residence site sits on a low rise about 2.5 meters in elevation, surrounded by the old Yoshino River, the Yoshino River, and the Nakatomi River. Excavations conducted from 1997 to 2000 revealed that the residence measured about 120 meters east-west and 150 meters north-south, enclosed by a moat roughly 12 meters wide. Further surveys from 2004 to 2005 uncovered a pond garden south of the residence, extending over 40 meters east-west and 30 meters north-south—one of the largest excavated garden ponds in Japan. Moats, foundation-stone buildings, and numerous high-quality artifacts were also confirmed, earning the site recognition as a nationally important medieval castle-residence.
Connection to Warlords
Shozui was the successive base of the Awa Miyoshi and the homeland of a clan—including Miyoshi Nagayoshi—that swept across the capital region. Kensho-ji temple, standing on the former main enclosure, is the Miyoshi clan temple and preserves the graves of clan members such as Miyoshi Yukinaga, Motonaga, Yoshikata, and Nagaharu, conveying the rise and fall of these Sengoku warlords.
Present State
In 1582 (Tensho 10), Shozui fell to the invading forces of the Chosokabe clan from Tosa, bringing the age of the Awa Miyoshi to an end. Today the castle site is maintained as Shozui Castle Ruins Park, where excavations continue, and together with the residence site it conveys the character of the medieval center of Awa.
Connection to Swords
As the base of the Awa Miyoshi, it was the stronghold of a Sengoku warrior house that produced the Miyoshi warlords who dominated the capital region.
Highlights
- Base of the Awa Miyoshi clan
- National Historic Site "Shozui Castle and Residence"
- Kensho-ji, the Miyoshi clan temple, and clan graves
- Castle taken by the Chosokabe clan
- Medieval castle-residence site under ongoing excavation
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.