Fukuchiyama Castle
Fukuchiyama Castle 福知山城 | |
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Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan | |
![]() The tenshu (keep) of Fukuchiyama Castle | |
Type | hilltop |
Site information | |
Owner | City of Fukuchiyama |
Condition | Tenshu and a few other buildings reconstructed |
Site history | |
Built | 1572 |
Built by | Yokoyama clan |
In use | 1572-1872 |
Materials | stone, earthwork, wood |
Demolished | 1872 |
Garrison information | |
Occupants | Yokoyama clan, Akechi Mitsuhide |
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7d/Fukuchiyama_castle03_2816.jpg/250px-Fukuchiyama_castle03_2816.jpg)
Fukuchiyama Castle (福知山城, Fukuchiyama-jō) is a castle located in Fukuchiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
History
Fukuchiyama Castle was originally built and ruled by the Yokoyama family.[1] Following his capture of Tanba in 1576, Akechi Mitsuhide reconstructed the castle on the foundations of the older fortification in 1580. However, the castle, along with many other castles in Japan, was destroyed in 1872 during the Meiji Restoration in the Japanese government's attempts to modernize Japan.[2]
Today
In 1986, the tenshu, or keep, of Fukuchiyama Castle was re-built following a spirited campaign by residents of the city of Fukuchiyama. It now serves as a local history museum. Also, a well named Toyoiwa-no-I is located in the castle, and is the deepest well of any castle in Japan. Many original stone walls still stand.
Sources
References
Literature
- Schmorleitz, Morton S. (1974). Castles in Japan. Tokyo: Charles E. Tuttle Co. ISBN 0-8084-1102-4.