Fujimi Turret of Utsunomiya Castle, Japan. Castle was founded in 1062, destroyed in Boshin War of 1868 and reconstructed in 2007
The story of Utsunomiya Castle begins with a fortification built by Fujiwara Hidesato or Fujiwara Souen in the Heian Period around 1062. During the Kamakura Period the castle was under the control of the Utsunomiya Clan who continued to rule for another 500 years. During the Sengoku Period, Utsunomiya Castle was also caught in several battles around the area, including an attack by the Hojo that burned a large section of the castle town. it was during this period of warring states, that the castle became much more heavily fortified with high walls and a deep moat. The Utsunomiya were defeated by Hideyoshi and their lands including the castle were confiscated in 1597. During the Edo Period, Utsunomiya Castle was the home for several Tokugawa loyalists. In particular Honda Masazumi is responsible for renovating the castle and castle town providing the basic layout for modern day Utsunomiya. Utsunomiya Castle is named as one of the Seven Great Kanto Castles and is famous as the place where the shogun stayed when he visited Nikko. Most of Utsunomiya Castle was burned down during the Boshin war. The current reconstructions were completed in 2007.
Size: 2000px × 3094px
Location: Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Photo credit: © Ivan Marchuk / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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