Shibata Castle

Shibata Castle is a fortified site in Shibata, Niigata Prefecture, built on flat terrain between two river branches and wetlands. The defenses rely on natural moats and wide open spaces, while the surviving entrance gate and rebuilt stone walls show traditional construction methods.

Mizoguchi Hidekatsu started rebuilding the fortress in 1597 after receiving the territory from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and major construction finished in 1654. The work stretched across several generations of the Mizoguchi family, who controlled the area until the Meiji period.

The site carries the name Ayame-jo, meaning Iris Fortress, referring to flowers that once lined the moats. This nickname still appears in the gardens today, where visitors can see purple blooms along the water channels each June.

Access to the grounds is possible every day, though parts of the site are used by military facilities and remain off-limits. Visitors can explore the preserved gate and gardens freely, while signposted paths follow the moat perimeter for easy orientation.

The Omote-mon gate holds status as an Important Cultural Property and remains one of the few original structures from the early fortress. Large sections of the site are now occupied by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, continuing a military presence at the location.