Ōgaki Castle

Ōgaki Castle (大垣城, Ōgaki-jō) is a castle located in the city of Ōgaki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. Other names for the castle include Bi Castle (麇城 Bi-jō) and Kyoroku Castle (巨鹿城 Kyoroku-jō).

Ōgaki Castle
大垣城
Ōgaki, Gifu Prefecture, Japan
Ōgaki Castle
Coordinates35°21′43″N 136°36′58″E
Site information
ConditionReconstruction
Site history
Built1535[1]
Demolished1871
Garrison information
Past
commanders
Ujiie Naomoto, Itō Morikage
OccupantsTakenokoshi Clan, Ujiie clan, Itō clan, Okabe clan, Matsudaira clan, Toda clan
A close up of the main keep

History

When the castle was originally built, it had four levels and four different kinds of moats. In the late 16th century, however, Toyotomi Hideyoshi realized the strategic location of the castle and further strengthened it by building the donjon.[2] Due to the historical importance of the castle, including its role in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, the donjon was designated a National Treasure in 1936.[2]

Present day

In 1945, the keep and the rest of the castle was destroyed during air raids in World War II; it was rebuilt in 1959.[2] The current castle is a replica of the keep and the inside serves as a museum to artifacts from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600.

The Castle was listed as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles in 2017.[3]

References

  1. Castles in Japan. Charles E. Tuttle Company. 15 December 2011. ISBN 9781462912179. Retrieved 21 November 2019.
  2. Ogaki Castle. Japan National Tourist Organization. Accessed May 22, 2008.
  3. "続日本100名城" (in Japanese). 日本城郭協会. Retrieved 25 July 2019.
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