Château de Tochigi, Japanese mountain fortress in Tochigi, Japan
Chateau de Tochigi is a Japanese mountain fortress featuring water moats and elevated grounds that provided strategic defense. Stone foundations remain visible today, marking its important position in eastern Japan.
Built in 1591 by warrior Minagawa Hiroteru, the fortress served as a military base for the Minagawa clan. The family relocated their seat to Iiyamajo castle in 1603, marking the end of active occupation here.
The site preserves a significant renga scroll, a traditional collaborative poetry form that samurai used for both artistic expression and intellectual exchange. This poetic practice held great meaning in the warrior culture of its time.
The central bailey area now functions as a public park open for visitors to explore freely. The adjacent Sakamoto Yohe Gallery displays historical objects and provides context about the fortress era.
A descendant family of the original castle retainers still lives near the grounds today. They preserve historical documents from the Minagawa lordship spanning generations.
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