Kitanosho Castle
Japan

Kitanosho Castle

Flatland nine-story castle ruins in Fukui

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Historical Context

About

Kitanosho Castle, built in 1575 by Shibata Katsuie, was a prominent flatland castle located in present-day Fukui, Japan. Characterized by its impressive nine-story tenshu (keep), it was the largest of its time. Despite its grandeur, the castle's existence was short-lived, lasting only eight years. It was destroyed in 1583 following Shibata Katsuie's defeat in the Battle of Shizugatake against Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In a tragic turn, Katsuie committed seppuku after killing his wife, Oichi. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a few stone foundations of the castle, which are now accessible to the public. Kitanosho Castle serves as a significant historical site, reflecting the turbulent times of the Sengoku period in Japan.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

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Temporal Epochs

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Castle Construction

1575 CE

Castle Destruction

1583 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

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category

Defensive Structures

Castles
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Japan

Coordinates

36.06° N, 136.22° E