28‏/01‏/2016

Ako: Castle of the 47 Samurai

Impressive ruins in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

It took 13 years before the castle was completed in 1648.

Originally there were twelve gates and ten turrets.

Although no longer beside the sea, in the past boats could set sail from docks located within the grounds of the castle.

A couple current residents of the castle moats

The walls are angled sharply like Goryokaku in Hakodate.

The castle grounds are open from 9am to 4:30pm.

A donjon (keep) was not built as permission was never obtained from the Tokugawa shogunate.

Entrance to the park, and what remains of the castle, is free.

Be sure to visit the nearby historical museum and Oishi Shrine.

A map detailing the original rooms of the castle

It was easy to get the feel of the size, and some of the layout, of the original castle from these reconstructed raised 'room' platforms.

What remains of the castle now sits inside a lovely public park.

Built on an expansive flat area originally beside the sea, Ako Castle was completed in 1648. It was home to the feudal lord, Naganori Asano, whose death was avenged by 47 of his samurai - one of Japan's most famous stories. Although a donjon (keep) was never built, many stone walls remain and other buildings have been reconstructed. The area is now a beautiful park, especially during cherry blossom season.

Japan's Top Castles

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Sandra Isaka

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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