Japan's smallest castle tower - Marugame Castle

Marugame Castle - "A white castle towering above its stone walls; the tallest stone wall guarding Sanuki Province"

Located in Kagawa Prefecture, Marugame Castle boasts the tallest stone wall in Japan, exceeding 60 meters from the base of the mountain to the main keep. It is also known as Japan's "smallest castle tower." Marugame Castle is one of the 12 remaining castle towers in Japan that have remained completely untouched or renovated. It's also one of the "100 Famous Castles"❗️

📕History:
In 1597, Oda Nobunaga gifted Sanuki Province to Ikoma Chikamasa, who built a castle there to defend Sanuki. The design was modeled after Oda Nobunaga's Azuchi Castle and Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Osaka Castle. In 1615, the Tokugawa Shogunate enacted the "One Province, One Castle" policy, and Marugame Castle was abandoned. In 1640, the shogunate reclaimed it and transferred it to Dewa Province. In 1871, with the abolition of the feudal system, Marugame Castle was gradually restored and transformed into the castle ruins park it is today.⛲️

🏢Architectural Features:
The Marugame Castle tower does not feature pillars extending from the foundation to the roof, but instead has columns on each floor. The first floor has 50 columns, the second floor 36, and the third floor 16. Each column is tightly connected to the beams of its corresponding floor, making the first through third floors appear as a single, integrated structure.

The floor area of each floor decreases significantly from the first. The third floor is narrower than the first, creating a more streamlined appearance, perhaps to make the small keep appear taller when viewed from below.

✨Must-See Highlights:
~Ishigaki~
Famous for its imposing 66-meter-high stone wall, considered the tallest in Japan, its stacking method showcases exquisite craftsmanship❗️❗️

~Castle Tower~
One of the 12 remaining wooden castle towers in Japan, this is the smallest of the three-story, three-tiered castle towers, but it boasts an intricate roof design. Seeing the castle tower requires some leg strength! 👣

~Mibi-zaka~
On the way to the castle tower, you'll pass the extremely steep Mibi-zaka. This is a challenging section of the path to the castle tower, and it's also the only way to get there. It's incredibly steep!

~Ninomaru-Ido~
At 65 meters deep, it's said to be the deepest well in Japan. Come explore it!

🌟Special Events:
~Spring Cherry Blossom Viewing🌸~
This is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Shikoku. During the cherry blossom festival, the area is illuminated at night, creating a romantic atmosphere💕 and perfect for a date~

~Rickshaw🛺~
Rickshaws are common, but this one is the cheapest in Japan❗️. Come experience it!

🚴Access:
JR Marugame Station is a 10-minute walk to the base of the mountain.

📍Address: Ichibancho, Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture

🕰️Opening Hours:
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Last admission 4:00 PM)

🎟️Average Cost: 400 yen

💞Recommended:
1. For travelers who love Japanese history
2. It boasts the smallest castle tower in Japan and the tallest stone wall in the country
3. It is one of Japan's 100 Famous Castles and 12 Castle Towers

🗓️Itinerary:
Marugame Castle - Shikoku Aquarium - Utazu Rinkai Park

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