Japanese Castle guide in Japan castle Historical site Statue Introduction.

[Castle name]
Hitoyoshi castle
Ruled by Mr. Sagara for 35 generations and it was the base for West Army during South West Battle.

[Description]
Hitoyoshi Castle is a flatland-mountain castle located in Fumoto Town, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Province. Kamakura Era, Mr. Hitoyoshi was the leader and he worked in Hitoyoshi Village for 35 generations. Edo Era, it was the office of Hitoyoshi Clan. It is appointed as the national historic site.

Originally this place was ruled by [Sekisyu Menosuke] who was the vassal of [Taira Yorimori], but he was killed by Sagara Nagayori. Therefore, Nagayori expanded Menosuke’s castle and built Hitoyoshi Castle. When entering Sengoku Era, Mr. Sagara united Kuma. However, in 14 June, Daiei 6 year (1526) Mr. Kitahara who ruled Hyuga gathered army and attacked Hitoyoshi Castle.

At that time, the castle owner [Sagara Yoshishige] used strategy and attacked back Mr. Kitahara. This was the only thing that Mr. Sagara did after they entered the castle. After that, the 19th generation [Sagara Yoshiharu] renovated the castle in 1573. During Sengoku Era, Mr. Sagara was threatened many times by Mr. Shimazu and Mr. Kitahara from the south, and Mr. Outomo from the north, but he defended. But in Tensho 9 year (1581), he finally was defeated by Mr. Shimazu.

After that, Yoshiharu’s son [Sagara Yorifusa] fought with Mr. Shimazu at Kyushu Battle in Tensho 15 year (1587) . Keicho 5 year (1600), Mr. Ishida (West Army) attacked Fushimi Castle and when Mr. Ishida was defeated, he supported Tokugawa Ieyasu (East Army) and won some military awards. Therefore he was given Kuma 22000 stones as the his territory.

After that, Mr. Sagara ruled Hitoyoshi Castle until Meiji Restrotion. Meiji 4 year (1871), the castle was abandoned. Meiji 10 year (1877), it was used as a base of West Army at South West Battle. Because of the Battle, all the buildings were burnt. And the burnt trace can be seen at the citizens’ house.

Hitoyoshi Castle is located in the south of Kuma River, the mountain of Kuma River and its branch. There is a natural moat at the north and west. In the east and south is the cliff and castle wall. The castle cleverly uses natural resources.

[Hitoyoshi Castle Park] is built on the current castle ruins. It is appointed as the national historic site. Heisei 18 year (2006), it was selected as the No. 93 of 100 famous castles in Japan.

[Address,access]
〒868-0051 18-4 Fumoto Town, Hitoyoshi City, Kumamoto Province

[Map]