Kumamoto

<p>The high stone walls are all that remain of Yatsushiro Castle</p>

The high stone walls are all that remain of Yatsushiro Castle (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Kumamoto

Yatsushiro Castle's Historic Ruins

The remains of Kumamoto's second fortress

Mandy Bartok Jun 03, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>The high stone walls are all that remain of Yatsushiro Castle</p>

<p>The moat that once encircled the castle is also still intact</p>

<p>Azalea bushes line the walking paths inside the castle walls</p>

<p>The grounds are not very big and take only 5 minutes to walk across</p>

<p>A shrine is located on the south side of the castle grounds</p>

<p>A proliferation of azalea bushes rings the shrine</p>

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.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.