Oshi Castle, Japanese castle in Gyoda, Japan
Oshi Castle is a three-tiered keep of white plaster walls with vertical rectangular windows, set on a sloped base of irregular dark gray stone blocks. Three stacked roofs of dark gray tiles overhang the walls, their corners upturned, with white triangular gables beneath; a small dark ornament sits on the top ridge. A projecting entrance bay with a curved gable stands under the lowest roof, and a wooden bridge crosses the water in front.
The fortress was built in the late 15th century and served local rulers as a stronghold in the region. It gained fame when it withstood flooding during a large military campaign and could not be taken.
The grounds now house a local museum where visitors can see objects from the town's past and examples of traditional crafts made in Gyoda. On the lower floors, models show how the fortress appeared during the siege and how it was surrounded by water.
The site lies at 17-23 Honmaru, Gyoda, along the Kumagaya-Hanyu prefectural road. From Gyoda-shi Station on the Chichibu line it is about 15 minutes on foot, or take an Asahi bus toward Fukiage; from JR Fukiage Station take the Asahi bus via Maetani. The city loop bus stops at Oshi Castle Ruins and the local museum.
During the siege, a system of dams was built that turned the fortress into an island. This technique led to the stronghold receiving its nickname as a floating fort.
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