Karatsu Castle

The Construction of Karatsu Castle

The history of Karatsu Castle dates back to the early 17th century. Construction began in 1602, during the Keicho era, and was completed in 1608. The castle was built under Terasawa Hirotaka, who became the first lord of the Karatsu domain. It subsequently served as the seat of the domain throughout the Edo period.

Hirotaka had been appointed to the region in 1595 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He later supported the Eastern Army at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and received additional territory, becoming a powerful feudal lord. After the battle, he began the major construction project that would establish Karatsu Castle as the centre of his domain.

The castle was built on Mount Mitsushima, a hill near the mouth of the Matsuura River, where the river flows into Karatsu Bay. The main enclosure occupied the elevated ground, while the secondary and outer enclosures extended to the west. The castle was constructed in a connected series of defensive compounds, with stone walls and moats protecting its important areas.

During construction, the shape of the surrounding landscape was altered. Mount Mitsushima, which had been connected to the eastern side of Karatsu, was separated, and the course of the Matsuura River was changed so that it flowed into Karatsu Bay. The project also made use of materials left over from the dismantling of Nagoya Castle, which had been abandoned following the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Feudal lords from across Kyushu contributed to the construction, and the names of some moats, including Yanagawa-bori, Saga-bori, Higo-bori, and Satsuma-bori, preserve the names of the domains that took part.

A Castle with a Unique Coastal Setting

Karatsu Castle’s position between the sea, river, and pine-covered coastline gave it a distinctive appearance and defensive character. The main enclosure stood on the summit of Mount Mitsushima, while Ninomaru and San-no-maru were arranged to the west. The northern side faced Karatsu Bay, allowing the castle to command a view of the sea and the surrounding coastal approaches.

The stone walls that descend toward the water remain among the most distinctive features of the site. Together with the moat and surviving earthworks, they help visitors imagine the scale and layout of the original castle complex.

The sandy coastline stretching out on both sides of the castle, together with the pine groves of Niji-no-Matsubara, creates the shape associated with a crane spreading its wings. This landscape is central to the castle’s identity as Maizuru Castle and is one of the reasons the site is so admired by visitors.

The Lords of the Karatsu Domain

Karatsu Castle remained the political centre of the Karatsu domain throughout the Edo period, although the ruling family changed several times. After the Terasawa family, the domain was governed by a succession of hereditary feudal lords.

In 1647, Terasawa Katataka died without an heir after losing territory in the aftermath of the Shimabara Rebellion, bringing the Terasawa family’s rule to an end. The castle and domain subsequently passed through several families. In 1649, Okubo Tadatsuchi, formerly lord of Akashi Castle, became the new lord. The Okubo family was followed by the Matsudaira, Doi, Mizuno, and Ogasawara families.

One notable figure associated with Karatsu was Mizuno Tadakuni, who later became famous for leading the Tempo Reforms as a senior official of the Tokugawa shogunate. He was born in the Edo residence of the Karatsu domain and served as lord of Karatsu before being transferred to Hamamatsu.

The Ogasawara family governed the domain until the end of the Edo period. Ogasawara Nagayuki, who was born in the main enclosure of Karatsu Castle, later held an important position in the shogunate during the turbulent final years of the Tokugawa government.

The Castle after the End of the Feudal Era

In 1871, following the abolition of the feudal domains, Karatsu Castle was abandoned. Its buildings were dismantled or disposed of, and the former main enclosure was later developed into Maizuru Park. The other parts of the castle grounds gradually changed as the surrounding city developed. Waseda Saga Junior and Senior High School was established on the former second enclosure, while other areas of the old Ninomaru and San-no-maru became part of the urban district.

Although many of the original buildings disappeared, sections of the stone walls and moat remain. These surviving features offer a sense of the former castle’s scale and help preserve its historic character.

In 1877, the former main enclosure was opened to the public as Maizuru Park. The site later underwent restoration and improvement projects. In 1989, the Higo moat and stone wall in front of Karatsu City Hall were restored. In 1992, the Toki-no-Taiko drum was reconstructed at the former Ninomaru site, followed by the reconstruction of the San-no-maru Tatsumi Turret near City Hall in 1993.

A survey conducted in 2016 confirmed the remains of the former Otemon Gate for the first time. Excavations also uncovered roof tiles bearing a pattern similar to those found at Nagoya Castle, providing further clues about the castle’s history and construction.

The Present Castle Tower and Exhibitions

The castle tower visitors see today is a reconstruction completed in 1966 as a cultural and tourism facility. It was designed in a five-story style inspired by the architecture of the Keicho period. Turrets and gates were also reconstructed, while sections of the stone walls and moat were restored to help recreate the atmosphere of the former castle.

It is important to note that the present tower is a modern reconstruction rather than an original surviving structure. Historical records do not conclusively establish that a full castle tower stood at Karatsu Castle when it was first built. The current tower was therefore created as a historical-style representation of what the castle might have looked like.

Inside the tower, visitors can view exhibitions and historical materials relating to the Karatsu domain, its administration, and the region’s history. Displays also introduce Karatsu ware, the area’s traditional pottery, offering an opportunity to learn about the local craft culture as well as the history of the castle.

The upper levels provide broad views of Karatsu Bay, Niji-no-Matsubara, and Mount Kagamiyama. The changing scenery of sea, sand, pine forest, and town makes the observation area one of the highlights of a visit.

Enjoy the Views from Maizuru Park

Karatsu Castle stands within Maizuru Park, where visitors can explore the castle grounds and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The contrast between the white reconstructed tower, the stone walls, the blue sea, and the green pine trees gives the site a distinctive appearance throughout the year.

The park is also known for its seasonal flowers, particularly cherry blossoms in spring. During the flowering season, the castle and its grounds become a popular place for enjoying the blossoms against the backdrop of the sea. The combination of historical scenery and seasonal nature makes the area attractive for both sightseeing and leisurely walks.

For visitors exploring Karatsu, the castle is an excellent place to appreciate the city’s history and geography at the same time. Its elevated position offers a clear view of the coastline and the famous pine groves, while the surviving remains and museum displays reveal the story of the former domain.

A Symbol of Karatsu’s History and Coastal Beauty

Karatsu Castle brings together the history of the feudal era and the natural beauty of northern Saga. Built at the beginning of the 17th century, it served as the centre of the Karatsu domain for generations. Although the present tower is a modern reconstruction, the surviving stone walls, moat, and historic layout continue to convey the character of the original castle.

Its distinctive setting, with Karatsu Bay on one side and the pine trees of Niji-no-Matsubara stretching along the coast, makes it one of the most memorable sights in the region. A visit offers not only an opportunity to learn about the history of the Karatsu domain but also a chance to enjoy some of the finest views in the city.