Fukuchiyama Castle, Japanese castle in Fukuchiyama, Japan
Fukuchiyama Castle is a reconstructed keep in Fukuchiyama, Japan, whose exterior reproduces the early-modern lookout-style tenshu but whose structure is reinforced concrete. The three-story, four-level great keep, connecting turret and two-story small keep were completed in 1986. Its stone base uses unworked stones, including about 500 repurposed gravestones and stone monuments.
After taking control of Tanba province, Akechi Mitsuhide rebuilt the fortress on its original foundations around 1580. The current wooden structure dates from a later reconstruction, replacing the original building that disappeared over the centuries.
The keep's name change is tied to Akechi Mitsuhide, who took Tanba in 1576 and rebuilt the fortress by 1580, renaming it Fukuchiyama. The reconstructed keep, finished in 1986, houses the Fukuchiyama City Folk Museum. Local tradition links the Fukuchiyama Ondo dance cry "dokkoise" to workers hauling stones for the castle walls.
The site sits about 15 minutes on foot from Fukuchiyama Station and can be reached by a climbing path. Admission costs 330 yen for adults and 110 yen for students.
The courtyard holds the well Toyoiwa-no-I, recognized as the deepest water source among all Japanese castles. This exceptional depth once secured the water supply even during extended sieges.
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