Mukaijima Castle

History

Mukaijimajō was built as a satellite fortification of Fushimijō. It was located on partially reclaimed land on the shore of Lake Ogura. Formerly the area had consisted of shallow lake waters and low-lying islands known as a local beauty spot where lotus grew and poets enjoyed moon-viewing parties. Toyotomi Hideyoshi saw little utility in such natural scenery and built Mukaijimajō here in around 1592. Bungo Bridge linked Mukaijimajō and Shigetsu-Fushimijō across the River Uji. In 1596 Shigetsu-Fushimijō was destroyed in an earthquake but nearby Mukaijimajō escaped with much less damage. Mukaijimajō thereafter became the temporary residence of the retired regent until Fushimijō could be rebuilt in 1597.

Mukaijimajō consisted over three principal baileys arranged like a ladder ("hashigo formation") with the lower rung facing away from the Fushimijōkamachi, the second bailey in the middle, and the main bailey as the top rung, adjacent to a sub-bailey used as stables. After Toyotomi Hideyori moved to Ôsakajō, the Tokugawa took over Fushimijō and Mukaijimajō. In the Siege of Fushimijō, Mukaijimajō was destroyed by attacking forces but was later rebuilt. The Tokugawa Shogunate made the decision to decommission Fushimijō and Mukaijimajō was likewise demolished around 1620.

Visit Notes

Nothing remains of Mukaijimajō today, and only a signpost stands to tell its history.

Gallery

Castle Profile
English Name	Mukaijima Castle
Japanese Name	向島城
Founder	Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Year Founded	1592
Castle Type	Flatland
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features
Visitor Information
Access	Kangetsukyo Station on the Keihan Uji Line; five minute walk
Visitor Information	24/7 free
Time Required	1 minute
Location	Kyoto, Kyoto
Coordinates	34° 55' 26.04" N, 135° 46' 14.95" E
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2020
Contributor	ART
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed