Katakura Castle

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Katakura2.jpg

History

Katakura Castle was located on a hill overlooking a convergence in the Yudono and Hyoei rivers. The original castle was built by the Nagai clan. On the North, South and East sides the castle was surrounded by cliffs and valleys about 30m above the rivers. It was constructed with two main baileys divided by deep moats, surrounded by earthen mounds and watchtowers. It also had a multiple koshiguruwa type baileys. Further, the castle's location was an important base adjacent to the old Kawagoe road and the Kamakura Road. For the time period, it was considered a well designed and located castle. Due to it's proximity to Takiyama Castle and Hachioji Castle it is thought that Katakura Castle was also used as an extended fortification of these castles by the Hojo Clan. The castle was abandoned after the fall of the Hojo in 1590.


Visit Notes

A nice park to visit for fall colors, cherry blossoms or spring flowers. In the valley along the north side of the castle I saw many people taking photos of wildflowers in the spring. The castle itself is well preserved for being in Tokyo and has not had any significant development to damage the ruins.
紅葉、桜,そして野生の花を見るのにいい公園で、北側にある谷で花の写真を撮っている人がたくさんいました。城跡自体は大きな開発ながなく良好な状態で残されてきました。


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Gallery
  • Two main baileys and moat
  • Side trail to the castle
  • Main bailey
  • Large dry moat
  • North side of the Main Bailey
  • Large moat between and the Main Bailey and Second Bailey
  • Valley north of the castle
  • Dry moat
  • Dry moat
  • Valley alongside the castle
  • Demaru Bailey
  • Earthen embankment around the bailey
  • Demaru Bailey
  • Dry moat outside the Second Bailey
  • Main Bailey
  • Second Bailey
  • Trench and Demaru Bailey
  • Valley alongside the castle
  • Valley alongside the castle
  • Map
  • Map


Castle Profile
English Name Katakura Castle
Japanese Name 片倉城
Alternate Names Hachioji-jo
Founder Nagai Clan (Probable)
Year Founded 1390
Castle Type Hilltop
Castle Condition Ruins only
Designations Local Historic Site
Historical Period Pre Edo Period
Features
Visitor Information
Access Keio Katakura Station (Keio Line), 8 min walk; JR Katakura Sta. (Yokohama Line) 5 min walk
Visitor Information Park open any time
Time Required 45 mins
Website http://www.city.hachioji.tokyo.jp/kyoiku/rekishibunkazai/001784.html
Location Hachioji, Tokyo
Coordinates 35° 38' 23.86" N, 139° 20' 14.28" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle 2015
Admin Year Visited 2015
Admin Visits March 28, 2015


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