Innoshima Suigun Castle

In short

Innoshima Suigun Castle is a castle-shaped museum that conveys the history of the Murakami Suigun (navy), active across the Seto Inland Sea from the Nanboku-cho period to the Sengoku period, and particularly of the Innoshima Murakami clan. It was built on a hill in Innoshima Nakanosho in 1983 under the supervision of historian Naramoto Tatsuya.

• ​Items associated with the naval forces​​: In the naval museum in the honmaru and the exhibition room in the ninomaru, you can see items associated with the naval forces, such as armor and ancient documents handed down through the Murakami family, and the Important Art Object "Prince Otonomiya's Ryoji"
• ​View from the corner turret​​: Ascending the sumiyagura (corner turret), which functions as an observation deck, you can take in views of the scenery around the castle
• ​The Murakami Kaizoku, Japan Heritage​​: The Innoshima Murakami clan controlled the shipping routes along the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture. The story of the Murakami Kaizoku was designated as Japan Heritage in 2016

History and Highlights

​Innoshima Suigun Castle​ is a museum built in the shape of a castle that conveys the history of the Murakami Suigun (navy), particularly the Innoshima Murakami clan, who were active across the Seto Inland Sea from the Nanboku-cho period to the Sengoku period. It was constructed on a hill in Innoshima Nakanosho in 1983 under the supervision of historian Naramoto Tatsuya. A museum shaped like a castle is rare across the country.

The Murakami Suigun was divided into three families—Innoshima, Noshima, and Kurushima—and was also known as the Santo Murakami clan. Among them, the Innoshima Murakami clan controlled the shipping routes along the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture. The story of the Murakami Kaizoku was designated as a Japan Heritage site in 2016.

The castle consists of the honmaru (main enclosure), ninomaru (second enclosure), and sumiyagura (corner turret). The honmaru serves as a naval museum, the ninomaru as an exhibition room, and the sumiyagura as an observation deck. Through items associated with the naval forces—such as armor handed down through the Murakami family, ancient documents, and the Important Art Object "Prince Otonomiya's Ryoji"—visitors can learn about the lives of this clan that made their home upon the sea.

Highlights for Viewing and Experiencing

• ​Explore items related to the naval forces​​: In the honmaru and ninomaru, you can trace the history of the Murakami Suigun through armor, swords, ancient documents, and models of naval ships.
• ​View from the corner turret​​: Ascending the sumiyagura, which functions as an observation deck, allows you to take in views of the scenery around the castle.
• ​Appreciate the overall castle design​​: Built in the form of a castle, the honmaru, ninomaru, and sumiyagura stand together on the hill. Try walking around while paying attention to the layout of the buildings.

Tips for Exploring

At Konren-ji Temple at the base of the castle, stone pagodas said to be the graves of successive generations of the Murakami Suigun stand in a row. Visiting it alongside the Suigun Castle allows you to feel the history of the Innoshima Murakami clan more closely. On Mt. Shirataki in the northern part of the island, there is also a Kannon-do hall said to have been built by the head of the Innoshima Murakami clan, making it an ideal addition to a trip visiting sites associated with the Murakami Suigun. Since the castle is on a hill, wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended.