Kagoshima Castle: The History and Legacy of Tsurumaru Castle
Known locally as Tsurumaru Castle, Kagoshima Castle stands as a significant historical landmark in Kagoshima, Japan. While much of its original structure has succumbed to time, fire, and war, the site remains a profound testament to the political maneuvering and architectural shifts of the Edo period. Today, it is recognized as a National Historic Site and was honored as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles in 2006.
Key Facts
- Common Name: Tsurumaru Castle
- Built By: Shimazu Tadatsune (1602–1606)
- Castle Style: Flatland-style Japanese castle (yakata-zukuri)
- Historical Significance: Former stronghold of the Satsuma clan
- Current Status: Archaeological and designated National Historic Site
- Notable Feature: Reconstructed Goromon Gate
The Origins of a Strategic Stronghold
The construction of Kagoshima Castle was born out of the political aftermath of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. Following the defeat of the Western Army, the Shimazu clan reached a peace agreement with the victorious Tokugawa forces. This agreement required the clan to reduce its territory to the provinces of Satsuma and Ōsumi.
To secure their new position, Shimazu Tadatsune decided to move the clan's center of power further south. This relocation served a dual purpose: it placed the clan further from potential Tokugawa invasions and utilized the natural protection of the mountainous terrain. The site was chosen using geomancy (traditional practices of determining ideal locations) and was naturally fortified by the Hegigawa River to the east, the Satsuma Kaidō to the west, Kinko Bay to the south, and Mount Shiroyama to the north.
A Unique Architectural Approach
Unlike many imposing Japanese fortresses, Kagoshima Castle was built in the yakata-zukuri style. This design functioned more as a large, fortified residence than a traditional military castle. It lacked a tenshu (a central high tower) and high stone walls, consisting instead of a main citadel in the north and a secondary citadel in the south, protected by moats and low walls.
Interestingly, this lack of defensive grandeur was a deliberate political statement. While Tadatsune's father, Shimazu Yoshihiro, feared the castle's proximity to the coast made it indefensible, the design was intended to signal the Shimazu clan's submission and peaceful intentions toward the Tokugawa shogunate.
Conflict and Transformation
Kagoshima Castle remained largely peaceful until the Bakumatsu period (the final years of the Edo period). During the Anglo-Satsuma War of 1863, the castle faced its first real combat when it came under attack by the British Royal Navy. Due to the castle's inconspicuous design, British forces famously mistook a nearby Buddhist temple for a castle tower and targeted it instead.
The 19th and 20th centuries brought significant destruction to the site:
- 1873: The main citadel and main gate burned down.
- 1877: The second citadel was destroyed during the Satsuma Rebellion.
- 1945: The main citadel, which had been used as a high school, was destroyed in an air raid.
Following these events, the site underwent various transitions, serving as a medical school and parts of Kagoshima University. Today, the area is home to the Kagoshima Prefectural Library, the Kagoshima City Museum of Art, and the Kagoshima Prefectural Museum. The Reimeikan, the Kagoshima Prefectural Center for Historical Material, opened on the site in 1984.
Site Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan |
| Construction Period | 1602–1606 |
| Primary Controller | Satsuma clan |
| Coordinates | 31°35′53.7″N 130°33′15.89″E |
| Current Use | Museums, Library, and Historical Site |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the castle also called Tsurumaru Castle?
Tsurumaru Castle is the local name for Kagoshima Castle, widely used by residents of Kagoshima.
Does the castle have a traditional high tower?
No. The castle was built in the yakata-zukuri style, which functioned as a fortified residence and did not include a tenshu (main tower) or high stone walls.
Is the castle still standing in its original form?
Much of the original structure is in ruins or was destroyed by fire and war. However, parts like the Goromon Gate have been reconstructed, and the site is preserved as a National Historic Site.
What is the significance of Mount Shiroyama to the castle?
Mount Shiroyama was located to the rear of the castle and was originally intended to serve as a redoubt (a defensive position) during a siege, though it later became a sacred area off-limits to the public.
When was the main gate reconstructed?
A reconstruction of the Otemon main gate, based on historical photographs and documents, was completed in 2020.