2007/12/15

Marugame Castle (丸亀城)

The Castles of Japan notes the history that "The Marugame Castle's tenshu was built in the 17th century. The original castle was destroyed through Tokugawa's policy of one castle per feudal domain, but Yamazaki rebuilt the castle in 1641. The following year, he added more and more to this castle complex and continued to do so for 30 more years. In 1869, a fire destroyed everything except for the tenshu and two gates."

But don't let that stop you. I'm told that it is an excellent place to watch the sunset, and in spring you can view hanami (cherry blossoms). "Kameyama Koen is a park created in the ruins of Marugame Castle. Kameyaka Koen is famous for cherry blossoms, and a cherry blossom festival is held every year. There are about 1,000 sakura trees in the park. The view of cherry blossoms and the donjon is beautiful. Paper lanterns are hung, and visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms at night." (Go Japan)

See here for location, directions, and practical information. (You can see a larger picture of the park and castle's tenshu on the Japanese page.)

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