Kanō Castle

Kanō Castle
加納城
Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan

Castle ruins
Coordinates 35°23′58″N 136°45′37″E / 35.39944°N 136.76028°ECoordinates: 35°23′58″N 136°45′37″E / 35.39944°N 136.76028°E
Site information
Controlled by Okudaira clan, Toda clan, Andō clan, Nagai clan
Site history
Built 1601
Built by Okudaira Nobumasa
Demolished 1871
Kanō Tenman-gū

Kanō Castle (加納城 Kanō-jō) was a castle that was built during peace time in the 15th and 16th centuries, but only its ruins, including the base of the donjon and walls,[1] remain in the present-day city of Gifu, Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

History

The first construction of Kanō Castle began in 1445 by Saitō Toshinaga, who was a vassal of the Toki Clan. However, the castle was not completed until 1538. In 1601, when Gifu Castle was dismantled, Kanō Castle became the area's main castle and Gifu Castle's main citadel became Kanō Castle's own three-story Ni-no-maru.[2]

In 1603, Okudaira Nobumasa moved into the castle and it became the Okudaira family's residence. Kanō Tenman-gū, which was built simultaneously with the castle, was a private place of worship for the family.[2] Because it was located in a popular post town, Kanō-juku,[3] it eventually became so that commoners could worship there, too.

References

  1. Rekishi no MeguriShiroato Meguri. (Japanese) Gifu City Hall. Accessed May 26, 2008.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Gifu City Walking Map. Gifu Lively City Public Corporation, 2007.
  3. Nakasendo to Shukuba-machi. (Japanese) Gifu City Hall. Accessed September 9, 2007.