Images: Daniel O'Grady
日根野氏1600 - 1601
諏訪氏1601 - 1871
高島城Takashima Castle is classified as a flatland castle (its layout: Renkakushiki), and is located in Nagano Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Shinano Province. It is associated with the Suwa clan. Dates in use: 1592 - 1871.
This floating castle received its nickname by being built upon a small island in lake Suwa. The island was actually formed by the lake & by redirecting several rivers. Uniquely, it is the highest flatland castle in Japan and on a clear day, Mt Fuji can be seen from its reconstructed main tower.
My visit here was extremely brief. I'll put that down to the fact that there is a great many things to see in Nagano Pref. Anyway, I was rather impressed with what was on offer at this reconstructed castle. The stonework was roughly cut yet very well fitting and the grounds were in good condition. The Tenshu houses a small museum & also within the main enclosure is a pleasant shrine.
|1590||The area was taken control of by one of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's generals, Takayoshi Hineno. He established himself at the existing fortifications of the former Takashima castle on Mt. Chausuyama.|
|1592||Construction of the castle commenced.|
|1598||Construction of the castle was completed.|
|1601||The Suwa clan were transferred here & remained here throughout the Edo period.|
|1875||The main tower was torn down.|
|1876||The grounds became open to the public.|
|1970||The main tower & supporting buildings were reconstructed.|