Akō Castle
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| Akō Castle 赤穂城 | |
|---|---|
| Akashi, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan | |
 | |
| Type | Japanese castle |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Ruins, though a few buildings have been reconstructed |
| Site history | |
| Built | About1615 |
| Built by | Asano Naganao |
| In use | 1615 to the Meiji Restoration |
| Materials | Earth, stone, and wood |
| Demolished | Meiji Restoration |
Akō Castle (赤穂城, Akō-jō) is a flatland castle located in Akō, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. The castle now is a national historic site.
History
This Akō castle is not to be confused with an earlier fortification located to the north. When the present castle was constructed, it took 13 years to complete the 12 gates and 10 yagura, or towers. Also, the castle was built on the seashore, and at the time of its construction, one could set sail from docks located in the castle. The construction was done under the surveillance of Asano Naganao, who became the lord of the region in 1615. During the Meiji Restoration, Akō Castle was partly dismantled, along with many other castles. However, several buildings have since been re-constructed, following the end of the Second World War.[1]
References
Literature
- Schmorleitz, Morton S. (1974). Castles in Japan. Tokyo: Charles E. Tuttle Co. ISBN 0-8084-1102-4.
External links
Media related to Akō Castle at Wikimedia Commons
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