Shoryuji Castle Park

In short

A park that opened in 1992 (Heisei 4) on the site where Shoryuji Castle once stood, with parts of the castle ruins reconstructed based on archaeological excavations. Hosokawa Fujitaka renovated the castle in 1571 (Genki 2) on the orders of Oda Nobunaga. It is also the castle where the wedding of Hosokawa Gracia was held, and where Akechi Mitsuhide, defeated in the Battle of Yamazaki, spent his final night.

• ​North Gate through which Mitsuhide Escaped​​: At the North Gate, where Mitsuhide is said to have made his escape, stone walls and foundation stones of the gate from that time remain
• ​Earthen Ramparts Overlooking Mt. Tennozan and the Statue of the Couple​​: From atop the earthen ramparts where the castle keep is presumed to have stood, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Tennozan, and within the park stands a statue of Tadaoki and Gracia
• ​Exhibits in the Castle-like Administration Building​​: In the historical exhibition corner on the second floor, you can trace the lives of Hosokawa Fujitaka, Tadaoki, Hosokawa Gracia, and Akechi Mitsuhide through videos and panels

History and Highlights

​Shoryuji Castle Park​ is a park developed on the site where Shoryuji Castle once stood. It opened in May 1992 (Heisei 4) as a park where parts of the castle ruins were reconstructed based on archaeological excavations.

In 1571 (Genki 2), Hosokawa Fujitaka, who later took the name Yusai, renovated Shoryuji Castle, which was situated at a key strategic point for the defense of Kyoto, under the orders of Oda Nobunaga. While the construction of Azuchi Castle in 1576 (Tensho 4) was previously considered an epoch-making milestone for the use of authentic roof tiles and stone walls in castles, archaeological excavations revealed that they were already being used here at Shoryuji Castle. Contemporary historical records from 1573 also confirm the presence of a "tenshu" (castle keep), demonstrating that its construction can be considered the origin of what were then cutting-edge early modern Japanese castles.

In 1578 (Tensho 6), Akechi Mitsuhide's daughter Tama, who later became known as Hosokawa Gracia, married Fujitaka's heir, Tadaoki, and their wedding was held at this castle. In 1582 (Tensho 10), Mitsuhide, having struck down his lord Oda Nobunaga in the Incident at Honno-ji Temple, used this castle as a stronghold to confront Hashiba Hideyoshi. Defeated in the Battle of Yamazaki, Mitsuhide retreated to this castle and spent his final night here. Slipping out of the castle in the dead of night, he was attacked and killed by ochimusha-gari (hunters of defeated warriors) on his way to Sakamoto Castle.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​North Gate through which Mitsuhide Escaped​​: At the North Gate, where Mitsuhide is said to have made his escape, stone walls and foundation stones of the gate from that time still remain. From atop the earthen ramparts, you can overlook the masugata koguchi (square compound entrance) of the North Gate.
• ​Earthen Ramparts Overlooking Mt. Tennozan and the Statue of the Couple​​: From atop the earthen ramparts where the castle keep is presumed to have stood, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Mt. Tennozan. Within the park stands a statue of Tadaoki and Hosokawa Gracia, the married couple closely associated with this castle.
• ​Exhibits in the Castle-like Administration Building​​: The administration building, resembling a Japanese castle in appearance, was built in 1992 when the area was developed into a park. In the historical exhibition corner on the second floor, you can trace the lives of Hosokawa Fujitaka, Tadaoki, Hosokawa Gracia, and Akechi Mitsuhide through videos and panels, and learn about cutting-edge castle construction of that era through displays of excavated artifacts.

Walking Tips

To commemorate its establishment as a park in 1992 (Heisei 4), the Nagaoka-kyo Garasha Festival, which reenacts Tama's bridal procession, is held every year on the second Sunday of November. The park is about a 10-minute walk south from the East Exit of JR Nagaokakyo Station, and about a 20-minute walk southeast from the East Exit of Hankyu Nagaoka-tenjin Station. Approximately 260 meters to the northeast, on the west side of Kotari-jinja Shrine, the remains of the outer ramparts and dry moats that once protected the northern perimeter of Shoryuji Castle still stand and are designated as a municipal historic site. A walk combined with a visit to the Igenoyama Kofun Burial Mound, located about 500 meters to the southwest, is also recommended.