Tatsuoka Castle - Relocated Structures

Kitchen Hall & Relocated Gate and Wall (Taguchi, Saku, Nagano) 　龍岡城御台所・移築門・土塀［長野県佐久市田口］ As far as extant castle buildings go, we rarely consider kitchen halls, but that is the only building now found in the star-shaped bailey of Tatsuokajō, a small bastion-style fort constructed in 1864 by Matsuda

Tatsuoka Castle - Relocated Structures

龍岡城移築建物

Kitchen Hall & Relocated Gate and Wall (Taguchi, Saku, Nagano) 　龍岡城御台所・移築門・土塀［長野県佐久市田口］

As far as extant castle buildings go, we rarely consider kitchen halls, but that is the only building now found in the star-shaped bailey of Tatsuokajō, a small bastion-style fort constructed in 1864 by Matsudaira Norikata. The castle was antiquated even upon its completion, and served more as an experimental fort than one of any practical consequence. As a result, it was abandoned in 1871 upon the abolition of feudalism.

The moats were buried after the fort's decommission but re-excavated in the 20th century, and the castle ruins have been a national historical site since 1934. The odaidokoro (kitchen hall) was the only part of the castellan's palace to be retained (though its position in the bailey was moved), and the fort became a school. The school is now closed but the schoolhouse and grounds are maintained and still used by the municipality.

I have visited this site several times, but have never found the odaidokoro open; it appears to be closed to the public. I tried to peak through the two doors I found on the structure, but the interior is very dark.

These photos focus on the odaidokoro, as well as a nearby gate and wall segment which was relocated from the fort to a residence in the village. The house with the gate and walls is private property, though I don't think the occupant whose name is on the mail box is still around.

Higashimon (Hara, Saku, Nagano) 　龍岡城移築東門［長野県佐久市原］

The Saku-Naritasan Yakushiji in Saku Municipality is famous for the Pinkoro-Jizō, a locally renowned deity. However, it also has a gate relocated from Tatsuoka Castle dating to the Bakumatsu period. The gate structure once served as the castle's east gate. When the castle was decommissioned in 1871, this kōraimon-style gate was auctioned off to be acquired by a local temple.

Ôhiroma (Naruse, Saku, Nagano) 　龍岡城大広間［長野県佐久市鳴瀬］

The ôhiroma (great banquet hall) is a surviving portion of the goten (palace) from Tatsuoka Castle which was relocated to Jissōji, a temple in Naruse Township, Saku Municipality. The ôhiroma was constructed between 1864-1867, and was relocated from the castle after its decommission in 1871. After first being acquired by a local influential family (Namiki Clan?), it now serves as the main worship hall of Jissōji. I wonder if it will ever move back to the castle bailey since the school there is now closed?

Gallery by ART.