Marugame Castle

Marugame Castle is a historically significant fortress located in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The castle was built during the Edo period and is a prime example of Japanese castle architecture. 

Marugame Castle was constructed in 1597 by Ikoma Chikamasa, a prominent feudal lord who controlled the Marugame region during the late sixteenth century. The castle was originally built as a small fortress, but it was later expanded in 1644 by Matsudaira Yorishige, the lord of Takamatsu Castle. Matsudaira Yorishige hired several skilled craftsmen to work on the castle, and under their guidance, Marugame Castle became one of the most impressive and well-fortified castles in the region.

During the Edo period, Marugame Castle played an important role in the defense of the region. It served as a stronghold for the Matsudaira clan, who controlled the castle until the end of the feudal era in Japan. In 1869, the castle was decommissioned and its structures were sold off, leaving only the keep (tenshu) and a few other structures intact.

Marugame Castle is an excellent example of Japanese castle architecture, and its design incorporates elements of both traditional Japanese architecture and military fortifications. The castle is built on top of a hill, providing strategic advantages for its defenders. The main keep is a five-story wooden structure that stands 50 meters tall, and it is surrounded by several smaller buildings, including a gatehouse, a watchtower, and a few other structures that served as living quarters for the castle's defenders.

The main keep of Marugame Castle features a unique architectural design that incorporates elements of both Japanese and European castle design. The exterior of the keep is clad in black tiles, giving it a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other Japanese castles. The interior of the keep is equally impressive, with a series of steep staircases that lead up to the top floor, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.