Takasaki Castle, located in Gunma Prefecture, is a historic site with deep ties to Japan’s feudal past. Once a key stronghold along the Nakasendo route, it played a crucial role in the political and military landscape of the Edo period. Though much of the original structure has been lost over time, remnants of the castle, along with the surrounding Takasaki Park, continue to attract visitors interested in history, culture, and seasonal beauty.
The Origins of Takasaki Castle
Before Takasaki Castle was built, the site was home to Wada Castle, a fortress dating back to the late Heian period. It is believed to have been constructed by Wada Yoshinobu, a powerful local clan leader.
During the Muromachi period, the region came under the control of the Kanto Kanrei, the deputy shogun of eastern Japan. The Wada clan was placed under the rule of the Uesugi clan, who held the position of Kanrei. In 1561, Wada Narushige, the lord of Wada Castle at the time, rebelled against Uesugi Kenshin and allied himself with Takeda Shingen. Despite multiple attacks by Uesugi forces, the castle managed to withstand their assaults.
Narushige’s son, Wada Nobuyuki, later aligned with the Hojo clan. However, in 1590, during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign against the Hojo at Odawara Castle, Nobuyuki took refuge there. Meanwhile, his son, Kanenori, remained in charge of Wada Castle’s defense but faced an overwhelming attack from the combined forces of Maeda Toshiie, Uesugi Kagekatsu, and others. The castle fell on April 19 (May 22 by the modern calendar) and was subsequently abandoned.
After the Odawara Campaign, Tokugawa Ieyasu took control of the Kanto region. In 1597, Ii Naomasa, who became the lord of Minowa Castle when Ieyasu entered the Kanto region, was ordered to build a modern castle on the site of Wada Castle. This was due to the area’s strategic location, where the Nakasendo and Mikuni Kaido roads intersected, making it essential to establish a castle to monitor the region. In 1598, Naomasa moved from Minowa Castle to Takasaki Castle, which was still under construction. Upon arriving, Naomasa is said to have named the area Takasaki, based on the advice of Ryuzan Eitan, the founder of Keitokuji Temple, who suggested that “pines may wither, but there is no limit to their height”. Naomasa moved townhouses and shrines from Minowa and began constructing a castle town.
Following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Naomasa was transferred to Sawayama Castle in Omi Province. Over the years, the castle changed hands rapidly, with various fudai daimyo. The last lord of the domain was Matsudaira Teruna, and many members of the family held prominent positions in the Tokugawa shogunate.
In 1619, Shigenobu Ando, who had taken control of the castle, began extensive renovations. Over the following 77 years and three generations, the castle was gradually remodeled into a modern fortress.
In 1633, Tokugawa Tadanaga, the younger brother of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, committed suicide in the castle after being imprisoned there.
The castle was abolished in 1873, and the 3rd Division’s barracks were established on the site. The buildings were eventually relocated or demolished, and much of the area was repurposed as a garrison for the 15th Infantry Regiment.
The castle is just a 10-minute walk from Takasaki Station. Nestled among surrounding buildings and an auditorium, it is situated in the heart of a well-maintained garden with a moat on one side, where ducks have made their home.
The Castle’s Structure and Features
Takasaki Castle is a flatland-style castle situated along the Karasu River, with a stepped enclosure layout. The main enclosure once featured a castle tower and four corner turrets: Inui (northwest), Ushitora (northeast), Tatsumi (southeast), and Hitsujisaru (southwest). Today, only the Inui turret remains, designated as an important prefectural cultural property. Surrounding the main enclosure were various sections, and the castle was primarily surrounded by earthworks, with minimal stonework. Inside the castle, there were 16 gates, including the Honmaru Gate, but only the Higashimon Gate (designated as an important cultural property of the city), which served as a service gate, has been relocated, restored, and remains intact today. The Sannomaru earthworks and water moat are still visible in the current townscape, offering a glimpse into the castle’s original layout.
Today, the castle ruins are surrounded by urban development, with numerous public facilities such as a 21-story city hall and music center nearby. The area around the moat has been transformed into Takasaki Castle Ruins Park, covering about 4.9 hectares. During spring, the park is adorned with approximately 300 cherry trees and azaleas in full bloom. A promenade has also been built along the earthworks surrounding the castle, allowing visitors to enjoy the historical site within the modern city landscape.
The gate, one of the few remnants of Takasaki Castle.
Visiting Takasaki Castle Today
While Takasaki Castle no longer stands in its original form, the site retains historical significance and serves as a cultural landmark. The reconstructed Inui Yagura and the surviving stone walls provide a glimpse into the castle’s past, while the park offers a relaxing setting for both locals and tourists.
For history enthusiasts, a visit to nearby Minowa Castle ruins can provide additional context on the region’s strategic importance. Takasaki itself is also known for its connection to Daruma dolls, which are sold throughout the city as symbols of perseverance and good luck.
Though time and modernization have transformed the landscape, Takasaki Castle remains a vital part of Gunma’s history. Once a stronghold of samurai power, it now serves as a peaceful reminder of Japan’s feudal past, inviting visitors to reflect on the legacy of those who shaped the region.
