* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Yokosuka Castle
横須賀城
Yokosuka Castle is a historic castle in the Chūbu region (Built 1578 (Tenshō 6); dismantled 1873 (Meiji 6)). Its lord was Ōsuga Yasutaka (first lord); later the Nishio clan among others.
Overview
Overview
Yokosuka Castle stood in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture. Tokugawa Ieyasu had it built as a base for attacking the Takeda-held Takatenjin Castle. It later became the seat of Yokosuka Domain, and the site is a National Historic Site.
Construction
In 1578 (Tenshō 6), Ieyasu ordered his retainer Ōsuga Yasutaka to build it. It lay about 2 km southeast of Takatenjin, facing roads toward Hamamatsu and Sagara, on a hill and coastal dunes beside an inlet connected to the sea. It was the core of the ring of siege forts around Takatenjin.
Succession of Lords
After Ōsuga Yasutaka, the castle changed lords many times and became the seat of Yokosuka Domain after Sekigahara. The Nishio clan ruled it for seven generations until the Meiji Restoration, with a final assessment of 25,000 koku.
Structure
A tenshu platform stands on the hilltop, with the main, west, and north enclosures, broad moats, and distinctive stone walls. River cobbles carried from the Tenryū River were used in the stonework. The tenshu is said to have been three stories.
Present Condition
Dismantled in 1873, the castle retains stone walls, moats, and earthen ramparts and is maintained as a park. Relocated structures such as a gate at Sen'yō-ji survive. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1981.
Connection to Swords
No source tying the castle to a specific sword has been confirmed. It served as the base for the Tokugawa side during the campaign against Takatenjin Castle.
Highlights
- Built in 1578 by Ōsuga Yasutaka on Ieyasu's orders
- Core of the siege forts against Takatenjin
- Stone walls built with Tenryū River cobbles
- The Nishio clan held it for seven generations until Meiji
- National Historic Site since 1981
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.