Makishima Castle, Japanese castle ruins in Uji, Japan
Makishima Castle was a fortress on a former island in Lake Ogura that controlled the Uji River during medieval times. Today two memorial stones mark where it once stood, and the surrounding park provides space for walking and reflection.
The fortress gained importance in 1573 when Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki sought refuge there during his revolt against Oda Nobunaga. This event marked the end of the Muromachi shogunate and led to the site's eventual decline.
The name honors the Makishima clan who ruled these lands for generations. Visitors can see how the community has preserved memory of this place through the memorial stones that mark where authority once stood.
The site is easiest to reach from JR Uji Station, which is about a 15-minute walk away to reach the park. The terrain is flat and easy to navigate, suitable for a quick visit during a day exploring the area.
In 1592 the castle stones were repurposed to build the Makishima embankment when the Uji River was redirected under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. This river modification permanently altered the landscape and transformed the former island into dry land.
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