Marugame Castle, Japanese castle in Marugame, Japan
Marugame Castle is a fortress in Marugame that stands on a steep hill above the city. The massive stone walls rise 60 meters (197 feet) from base to summit and feature curved surfaces designed to resist earthquake damage.
Ikoma Chikamasa founded the original fortress in 1587, and the current structure was rebuilt in 1641 during the creation of the western Sanuki domain. The castle served as a power center for local rulers until the end of the feudal era.
The wooden main tower is one of only twelve original Edo-period castle keeps remaining in Japan and maintains its authentic interior structure. This rarity makes the visit an encounter with genuine feudal-era fortress architecture.
The castle opens daily from 9:00 to 16:30, and a ten-minute walk from JR Marugame Station leads to the entrance. The climb up the steep paths requires sturdy footwear and some stamina.
The castle features the highest stone walls in Japan, built using the kirikomihagi technique where rocks are precisely fitted together without mortar. This method gives the walls exceptional stability during earthquakes.
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