was one of the primary castles of Oda Nobunaga located in the Azuchi neighborhood of the city of Ōmihachiman, Shiga Prefecture. The site of the castle was designated a National Historic Site in 1926, with the designation upgraded to that of a Special National Historic Site in 1952. The castle is located within the grounds of the Biwako Quasi-National Park.

Azuchi Castle was built from 1576 to 1579 on Mount Azuchi on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa in Ōmi Province. Nobunaga intentionally built Azuchi Castle close enough to Kyoto that he could watch over and guard the approaches to the capital, but outside Kyoto so his fortress would be immune to the fires and conflicts that occasionally consumed the city. Azuchi Castle's location was also strategically advantageous in managing the communications and transportation routes between Nobunaga's greatest foes – the Uesugi to the north, the Takeda in the east, and the Mōri to the west. Azuchi Castle was demolished in 1582 by Akechi Mitsuhide after his assassination of Nobunaga in the Honno-ji Incident.

Many researchers agree that Azuchi Castle was the catalyst for the establishment of early modern castles in Japan from the Azuchi–Momoyama period onwards. of the Sengoku period were, so to speak, earthen fortresses built by cutting through the mountain and heaped up with rocks and earth, with military priority, but Nobunaga's stone castles were a revolutionary departure from these, and became show castles with both political functions.

The Azuchi-Momoyama period of Japanese history partially takes its name from Azuchi Castle.

History

left|thumb|Drawing of the layout plan of the castle

This all-stone-walled castle was built on a vast site on the banks of Lake Biwa as a new stronghold for Oda Nobunaga.

Niwa Nagahide had responsibility for constructing the castle, which began in 1576 and completed in 1579.

thumb|[[Gold leaf roof tile from the Azuchi Castle site, displayed in the Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archeological Museum]]

On New Year's Day (lunar calendar) in 1582, Nobunaga opened the interior of Azuchi Castle to guests of honour. So many people crowded in that part of the stone wall collapsed, resulting in injuries and even deaths. At that time, Nobunaga had instructed the daimyos and their vassals to bring 100 mon (monetary unit) each. After the tour, Nobunaga was waiting for them at the end and received the money in person.

In the summer of 1582, just after Nobunaga's death at Honnō-ji, the castle was taken over by the forces of Akechi Mitsuhide, Nobunaga's betrayer. The castle was set aflame a week or so later, with some accounts claiming this might have been the work of looting townspeople, or of one of Nobunaga's sons.

Architecture and design

thumb|Stone steps leading up through the Azuchi Castle ruin

thumb|Ruins of the tenshu, or keep

Confucius and other Confucian figures were depicted in paintings at Azuchi Castle. The highest respect given to Confucianism in Azuchi Castle implies that Nobunaga's ideas were shifting from tactics for the battlefield to the responsibility of ruling the realm and ensuring peace and order all around.

Modern times

thumb|left|Azuchi Castle replica in Ise Sengoku Village

All that remains of the castle today is the stonework. However, an approximate reproduction of the Azuchi Castle donjon, based on illustrations and historical descriptions, stands in Ise Sengoku Village, a samurai theme park near Ise. In addition, a full-scale replica of the top floors of the donjon is on display at the Nobunaga no Yakata Museum near the original castle ruins.

Azuchi Castle was listed as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles by the Japan Castle Foundation in 2006.

The construction of the castle was the theme of the 2009 period drama film Castle Under Fiery Skies (火天の城, Katen no Shiro), based on Kenichi Yamamoto's novel of the same name and directed by Tanaka Mitsutoshi.

See also

  • List of Special Places of Scenic Beauty, Special Historic Sites and Special Natural Monuments
  • Golden Tea Room

References

Further reading

  • Nobunaga no Yakata Museum
  • Azuchi Castle (moving image)
  • NOBUNAKAOU reporter
  • Photos and models of Azuchi castle
  • Azuchi Castle Photo Gallery at PHOTOGUIDE.JP
  • Official website of the Azuchi Castle Ruins: Ruins of Oda Nobunaga's Azuchi Castle and Sōkenji Temple 織田信長の安土城址と摠見寺
  • Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum