Many of the modern castles are [ Meijo ] Is described as.
Of course, there is no clear standard for being a famous castle.
Since a castle is a military structure, it may be usually evaluated by military ingenuity. However, it is difficult for us amateurs to evaluate from such a viewpoint.
However, the modern castle is a symbol of authority . However, its grandeur and beauty are also important points, which is why the castles in each area are loved by the region. So, today, from that perspective, [ conditions of a famous castle ] I will think about it for a moment.
What is a modern castle?
There were about 180 modern castles in the Edo period, including the residence of a daimyo who was a castle lord or higher, a specially recognized branch of a large clan, and a castle under the direct control of the shogunate.
Most of the modern castles were built or refurbished during the late Warring States period. Therefore, it is said that there was not much difference between the regions because the castle-building technique, the daimyo of the castle-builder, and the architects often fly around the country. In short, it can be said that there is no difference in the quality of the castle in the modern castle.
If you raise the conditions of a famous castle under such conditions, the size is proportional to the human energy used to build the castle. Edo Castle, Osaka Castle, Nagoya Castle It can be said that the magnificence such as is suitable to call it a famous castle by itself.
It's a little off topic, but after writing an article about the castle, the word "modern castle" comes up. What is a modern castle in the first place? Some people may think that, so I will touch on it a little.
Japanese castles are medieval (Kamakura / Muromachi) and early modern (Azuchi-Momoyama / Edo) There is a big difference between. If you classify it in an easy-to-understand manner, Oda Nobunaga before and after the construction of Azuchi Castle Then, the method of building the castle is very different.
Not all castles apply, but there was basically no castle tower before Azuchi Castle. Almost no stone walls can be seen today. There was only one example of Rokkaku's Kan'onji Castle being built with a solid stone wall ...
Then, when the Toyotomi administration was established, the building method of the modern castle was almost established. It is believed that the construction method of this modern castle was spread throughout the country by the Oda and Toyotomi daimyo.
The existence of a castle tower that must not be forgotten
It is a unique building called a castle tower that keeps the castle special to us. Himeji Castle Chalk castle tower, Matsumoto Castle You will always be impressed by the beauty of the black-painted castle tower.
There are only 12 castle towers in existence, but there are many castle towers that have been reconstructed based on appropriate materials. The existence of the castle tower, which can be said to be the symbol of the castle, is also a major condition.
Himeji Castle
Matsumoto Castle
The magnificence of the stone wall
Kumamoto Castle, Kanazawa Castle, Tsuyama Castle , which are said to be huge Many people are impressed by the stone walls that pile up the megaliths. In a sense, the stone wall of the castle can be said to represent the characteristics of modern Japanese castles more than the castle tower. The elegance of the castle tower and the majesty of the stone wall may be the major attractions of the castle.
Ishigaki of Kumamoto Castle * Image before the earthquake
* The image has been reprinted from the Urabe Institute. I am always grateful for your help.