Sōma Nakamura Castle (Baryō Castle)
相馬中村城（馬陵城）
Sōma Nakamura Castle (Baryō Castle) is a historic castle in Tōhoku dating from the Edo period (construction begun in the seventh month of 1611 and completed by the twelfth month of the same year; served as the seat of the Nakamura domain until the Meiji Restoration), whose lord was Sōma Toshitane (who moved from Odaka Castle and developed the site into a full-scale castle in 1611); thereafter the successive lords of the Sōma clan and the Nakamura domain, for about 260 years until the Meiji Restoration.
Overview
Overview
Sōma Nakamura Castle was a hilltop castle in Nakamura, Sōma City, Fukushima Prefecture, also known as Baryō Castle. One of the residences of the Sōma clan from the Sengoku through the Edo periods, it served as the seat of the Nakamura domain (also called the Sōma Nakamura domain) until the Meiji Restoration. The site is now a public park, Baryō Park, beloved by local residents.
Founding and History
Tradition holds that the site saw military use as early as 801, during campaigns to subdue the northern frontier, and that a residence of the Nakamura family stood here in the medieval period. In the seventh month of 1611, Sōma Toshitane moved his base here from Odaka Castle and, by the twelfth month of the same year, had developed it into a full early-modern castle. It then served as the seat of successive Sōma lords and the Nakamura domain for roughly 260 years, until the Meiji Restoration.
Structure and Remains
The castle precinct measured about 600 m east–west by 650 m north–south, its layout composed of concentric baileys and moats encircling the main enclosure. Most structures were demolished under the Meiji-era castle abolition policy, but the outer main gate (Soto-Ōte Ichi-no-mon) survives as the sole standing structure, and the earthworks and moats remain in good condition.
Connection to the Sōma Nomaoi
Sōma Nakamura Shrine stands within the castle grounds and serves as one of the ceremonial sites for the Sōma Nomaoi, a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property held every July. Said to originate in the Sōma clan's military training exercises, the Nomaoi is a spirited festival of mounted, armor-clad warriors competing to seize sacred banners.
Present State and Access
Designated a Fukushima Prefectural Historic Site in 1955, the site is now Baryō Park, also known as a cherry-blossom viewing spot. About a 15–18 minute walk from Sōma Station on the JR Jōban Line.
Connection to Swords
Highlights
- Developed into a full castle by Sōma Toshitane in 1611 after moving from Odaka Castle; seat of the Nakamura domain until the Meiji Restoration
- The outer main gate is the sole surviving structure; earthworks and moats remain in good condition
- Sōma Nakamura Shrine within the grounds is a ceremonial site for the Sōma Nomaoi, a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property
- Fukushima Prefectural Historic Site (designated 1955); now Baryō Park, known for cherry blossoms
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.