Sakura Castle
Sakura castle (佐倉城 Sakura-jō) was a 17th-century castle, now only ruins, situated in Sakura, Chiba Prefecture. The castle was designated one of Japan's Top 100 Castles by the Japanese Castle Foundation.[1]
History
Under the orders of his Lord, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Doi Toshikatsu started construction of this castle in 1610, and was completed in 1617. It was based on the foundations and unfinished work of the Chiba clan, who themselves had started building a castle called Kashima Castle on the same site, in the earlier Sengoku period [2]
During the Edo era, the castle was ruled by a number of powerful lords, all loyal to the Tokugawa rule. The castle was considered a location of strategic importance, in particular as it protected the eastern flank of Edo.[2]
Sakura Castle, at its peak, was a large complex, however, it was noted for having no stone walls. The defensive lines were reinforced by deep, dry moats, and earthern embankments were used to mark off the baileys. The main keep was in fact a yagura relocated from Edo castle.[2] The park was used as an army barracks during WW2.
Current site
There is little left of the original castle, except for the moats, earthen walls, and some stone stairs. The grounds of the castle have a large museum of national history.[2]
References
External links
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Media related to Sakura Castle at Wikimedia Commons - http://japan-chiba-guide.com/narita-area/en/attractions/sakura-castle-park.html
Coordinates: 35°43′19″N 140°13′00″E / 35.7220°N 140.2167°E