Tatebayashi Castle

Besides the reconstructed castle gate (1983), there is not much to see of the castle itself. There are only a few signs around the original castle grounds pointing out locations of gates and baileys. There also two original samurai residences and a large Nagayamon gate moved here from a wealthy farm

History

It is not well understood exactly when or by whom Tatebayashi castle was constructed. The earliest record of the castle is from 1471 when the castle was attacked by the Uesugi. In the Sengoku Period, the castle was also controlled by the Nagao and the Hojo until Tokugawa Ieyasu took control of Kanto in 1590. In the Siege of Odawara, the castle was taken by Ishida Mitsunari.

After 1590, Tokugawa placed Sakakibara Yasumasa in control. Sakakibara rebuilt the castle and developed the castle town. After the Sakakibara were reassigned, the castle was the home of the top controlling families of the Tokugawa government until it was abandoned. In 1874, a fire destroyed more than half of the castle buildings. The fifth Shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, was also the lord of Tatebayashi Castle from 1661-1680 although he actually resided in Edo (Tokyo) throughout.

Field Notes

Besides the reconstructed castle gate (1983), there is not much to see of the castle itself. There are only a few signs around the original castle grounds pointing out locations of gates and baileys. There also two original samurai residences and a large Nagayamon gate moved here from a wealthy farmstead. Combined together, these sites make Tatebayashi makes an interesting visit if you are on the area. The castle diorama seen in some of the photos below is in a wing off the library near the Dobashimon Gate. There are other artifacts here too but you you can only take photos of the diorama.

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Gallery

Dobashimon Gate
Dobashimon Gate
Dobashimon Gate
Dobashimon Gate
Dobashimon Gate
Wall of the Dobashimon Gate
Wall of the Dobashimon Gate
Dobashimon Gate and embankment of the Third Bailey
Third Bailey
Third Bailey and embankment
Embankment of the Third Bailey
Embankment of the Third Bailey
Embankment of the Third Bailey
Embankment of the Third Bailey
Ninomaru Bailey
Honmaru embankment
Honmaru water moat remains
Hachimangu Shrine
Site of the Senkan Gate
Site of the Senkan Gate
Castle diorama (Sannomaru Bailey)
Castle diorama (Dobashimon Gate)
Diorama (Ninomaru Bailey)
Diorama
Stones from the original castle walls
Castle ruins marker
Nagayamon Gate from a wealthy farmstead
Nagayamon Gate
Nagayamon Gate
Nagayamon Gate
Nagayamon Gate
Map

Castle Profile
English Name	Tatebayashi Castle
Japanese Name	館林城
Alternate Names	Obiki-jo
Founder	Akai Terumitsu
Year Founded	mid 1500's
Castle Type	Flatland
Castle Condition	No main keep but other buildings
Historical Period	Edo Period
Features	gates, samurai homes, walls
Visitor Information
Access	Tatebayashi Sta. (Tobu Isezaki Line), 10 min. walk.
Hours	Park open any time
Time Required	30 mins (castle only)
URL	Castle Website
Location	Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture
Coordinates	36.24557, 139.54001
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2007
Contributor	Eric
Admin Year Visited	2007, 2018
Admin Visits	June 30, 2007; Sept. 16, 2018

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