* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Tokuyama Castle
徳山城
Tokuyama Castle is a historic castle in Chūgoku dating from the Built 1649 (Keian 2) as a jinya, abandoned 1871 (Meiji 4), whose lord was Mori Naritaka.
Overview
Founding
Tokuyama Castle, also known as Tokuyama Jinya, stood in what is now Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture, serving as the administrative seat of the Tokuyama Domain, a branch domain of the Hagi (Choshu) Domain founded by Mori Naritaka, the second son of Mori Terumoto. Construction began in 1649 (Keian 2), and in the following year the domain seat was moved to the Noe area, with the place name changed to Tokuyama.
Structure
As a jinya rather than a full castle, it lacked dry or water moats, relying mainly on earthen ramparts for defense. Despite this modest fortification style, its scale was grand enough to be counted among the "Three Great Jinya of Japan," alongside Tsuruga Jinya and Iino Jinya.
Lords of the Domain
The domain was established by its first lord, Mori Naritaka, and subsequently governed by successive generations of the Tokuyama Mori family. In 1836 (Tenpo 7), the eighth lord, Mori Hiroshige, was elevated to castellan rank.
Present Day
The domain was abolished in 1871 (Meiji 4) with the abolition of the han system. The jinya's structures were destroyed in the air raid on Tokuyama on July 26, 1945, leaving only the garden grounds intact. Today the site houses the Shunan Cultural Hall, Yuisui Shrine, and Shunan Tokuyama Zoo, and it holds no official cultural property designation.
Connection to Swords
Not applicable
Highlights
- Seat of the Tokuyama Domain founded by Mori Naritaka, second son of Mori Terumoto
- Ranked among the "Three Great Jinya of Japan" for its scale
- Structures destroyed in the 1945 air raid on Tokuyama
- Site now occupied by the Shunan Cultural Hall and Yuisui Shrine
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.