MustLoveJapan

Bitchu Takamatsu Castle

Travel Information

Bitchu Takamatsu Castle (備中高松城) is where the Hideyoshi's "Mizuzeme" (the water siege) happened. It is a ruin of flatland castle located western Okayama prefecture. This castle was surrounded by a huge bog which made this castle as one of the strong castle in Sengoku period. The battle of Takamatsu castle is very famous not only because of its unique strategy, but also this battle coursed the death of Oda Nobunaga and the beginning of Hideyoshi's unifying Japan.

Tourist Info.
There is parking and restroom.

Access
0. at Okayama Station.
1. use JR Kibitsu Line to Bitchu Takamatsu. (18 min.)
2. walk north (5 min.)


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Detailed Travel Guide

Bitchu Takamatsu Castle

Type: Flatland Castle.
Built: unknown in middle of 16th century.
Class: Ruins.

Even this area has many stones, Takamatsu castle didn't use any stone. Takamatasu castle is surrounded by a huge bog which prevent attackers to use any kinds of siege weapons, guns or cavalries.

It was originally built by Ishikawa clan. In 1575, Ishikawa clan and Mimura clan was subverted by Mori clan. Mori assigned Shimizu Muneharu to protect the Takamatsu Castle.

In 1582, Hashiba Hideyoshi moved his army as a part of Chugoku Invasion, and surrounded this castle with 20,000 armies. Shimizu Muneharu had 3,000 of armies in this castle. Hideyoshi attacked this castle twice, but because this castle was very strong, Muneharu protected this castle.

Hideyoshi need to attack this castle in different approach. He took the plane of Kuroda Kambei. It was called "Mizuzeme" (water siege). Hideyoshi built a huge dam to stop Ashimori River. Soon, the entire bog became a lake and Takamatsu castle became an island.

Shimizu Muneharu decided to surrendered. He did Seppuku to save his samurai.

Because Hideyoshi was informed that his lord Oda Nobunaga was killed at Honnoji, he brought back this army as soon as Munehad did Seppuku.

Muneharu's last peom
"Ukiyowoba Imakosowatare Mononofuno Nawotakamatsu no Kokeninokoshite."
"t's a time to move from our life to heaven. It is the greatest moment to leave our name and proud forever just like until moss grows around old pine trees (also means meaning of Takamatsu Castle)."