Ōuchi-shi Yakata, Medieval castle complex in Yamaguchi, Japan
Ōuchi-shi Yakata is a medieval castle complex in Yamaguchi featuring defensive walls, traditional gardens, and stone waterways spread across grounds measuring approximately 160 meters east to west and 170 meters north to south. The extensive foundation remains visible today show how the residence was originally organized and laid out.
The Ōuchi clan built this residence in the mid-1400s and made it their power center for controlling western Honshu during the Muromachi period. The complex grew and changed over time as the clan's influence expanded in the region.
The site showcases two different garden styles: a central gourd-shaped pond garden from 1488 and a separate rock garden that reflect medieval Japanese design traditions.
The site is easily reached on foot; it takes about 15 minutes from Kamiyamaguchi Station or you can take a bus from Yamaguchi Station to the Kenchō-mae stop and walk 10 minutes from there. The grounds are flat and straightforward to explore at a relaxed pace.
The complex was split into two separate areas: the main residence for daily living and the Tsukiyama-kan section, which functioned as a reception area for important guests. This division of space allowed the clan to display their status through how they organized and used different parts of the grounds.
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