Ashikagashi Yakata

The temple and gates are very nice making this a worthwhile stop if you're in the area. It's just a short walk from the station and is only a few stops away from Kanayama Castle on the same train line.

History

This site exemplifies one of the earliest forms of castles, a fortified residence. It is a square plot of land surrounded by a moat and guarded with gates at the entrances. The Ashikaga built this home in the mid 1100's. Ashikaga Yoshikane established the family temple on these grounds in 1196 and the site eventually became Bannaji Temple.

Field Notes

The temple and gates are very nice making this a worthwhile stop if you're in the area. It's just a short walk from the station and is only a few stops away from Kanayama Castle on the same train line.

Gallery

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  moat
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  temple
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  North Gate
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  Yakuimon gate close up.
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  East Gate
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  West Gate
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  moat
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  signboard map

Castle Profile
English Name	Ashikagashi Yakata
Japanese Name	足利氏館
Alternate Names	Ashikagashitakuato
Founder	Ashikaga Yoshikane
Year Founded	mid 1100's
Castle Type	Fortified Manor
Castle Condition	No main keep but other buildings
Designations	Top 100 Castles, National Historic Site
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Features	gates, water moats
Visitor Information
Access	Ashikagashi Sta. (Tobu Isezaki Line), 15 min. walk; Ashikaga Sta. (JR Ryomo Line), 10 min. walk
Hours
Time Required
URL	Castle Website
Location	Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture
Coordinates	36.33771, 139.45168
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2007
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2007
Admin Visits	June 23, 2007

2.44

(9 votes)

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