Takamatsu Castle, Japanese castle in Takamatsu, Japan
Takamatsu Castle is a flatland castle in Tamamochō whose central compound is surrounded by inner, middle and outer seawater moats. The main keep, a three-tier, four-storey tower with a protruding top floor, stood on a stone base at the eastern edge of the central compound until its dismantling in 1884. Two surviving turrets, the moon-viewing turret and the Ushitora turret, remain on the north and east compounds.
Ikoma Chikamasa ordered the construction of the fortress starting in 1588, transforming a port settlement into a military base. Later rulers expanded the complex until it was abandoned and partly dismantled in the 19th century.
The location by the sea gave the structure its alternate name Tamamo, meaning jewel of the water, a reference to the saltwater moats. Visitors today see mainly the two remaining turrets, which display the military skill of late 16th-century builders.
The former walls now lie within Tamamo Park, which opens in the morning and closes in the evening on weekdays. Those wishing to visit the two turrets should arrive early, as they are only accessible at certain times.
The moats still hold seawater, and oysters grow on their walls; farmed sea bream are released into the water. The castle is counted among Japan's three great sea castles, alongside Imabari and Nakatsu.
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