Kumamoto

Jun 3, 2015 - 1 min read

Yatsushiro Castle's Historic Ruins

The remains of Kumamoto's second fortress

By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

The high stone walls are all that remain of Yatsushiro Castle

The moat that once encircled the castle is also still intact

Azalea bushes line the walking paths inside the castle walls

The grounds are not very big and take only 5 minutes to walk across

A shrine is located on the south side of the castle grounds

A proliferation of azalea bushes rings the shrine

In the Edo Period (1600-1868), the area that now comprises Kumamoto prefecture was one of the only domains to be permitted by the shogun to have two major castles. While the most important fortress was located in Kumamoto city, a second castle was constructed in Yatsushiro in 1619 (after the destruction of a previous fortress in Mugishima). Today, nothing remains of Yatsushiro's commanding castle except for its stone walls and a moat. Still, the city has turned the former grounds into a parkland, best viewed in April and May when the azaleas along the paths are in full bloom.

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By Mandy Bartok

Community writer

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Yui Yamaguchi 9 years ago

Ruin looks bit melancholy.

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

Yui, I was the only one walking around the front of the grounds, and it felt a bit spooky with the overcast skies! But in the back, the azaleas provided some much needed color and there were a number of people visiting the shrine.

Victoria Vlisides 9 years ago

A great, informative read. Really enjoyed the bit of history. It's just yet another example of how interesting Japanese castles and their remnants are...

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

Thanks, Victoria. I wish the park itself had a bit more information on site (like info panels or a large info board). I had to find most of the history online. Still, it's a pretty place to wander.

Justin Velgus 9 years ago

There have been several old castle sites turned into parks. I like the idea and the pics look really peaceful in the modern era.

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

Justin, the front part of the park initially seemed rather plain and boring, but once inside the walls, the blooming azaleas really made things "pop".

6 comments in total

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Information

15-1 Matsuejomachi, Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture, 866-0862 (Directions)

Yui Yamaguchi 9 years ago

Ruin looks bit melancholy.

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

Victoria Vlisides 9 years ago

A great, informative read. Really enjoyed the bit of history. It's just yet another example of how interesting Japanese castles and their remnants are...

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

Thanks, Victoria. I wish the park itself had a bit more information on site (like info panels or a large info board). I had to find most of the history online. Still, it's a pretty place to wander.

Justin Velgus 9 years ago

There have been several old castle sites turned into parks. I like the idea and the pics look really peaceful in the modern era.

Mandy Bartok Photographer 9 years ago

Justin, the front part of the park initially seemed rather plain and boring, but once inside the walls, the blooming azaleas really made things "pop".

6 comments in total