Matsushiro Castle

Matsushiro Castle was a castle built in the 16th century castle, in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

History

The first castle on this site was built in 1560 by Yamamoto Kansuke, under the direction of his Lord, Takeda Shingen. Kōsaka Danjo, another senior Takeda retainer, was its first commander. Takeda Shingen used the castle for the ongoing conflict with Uesugi Kenshin for control of the northern part of the Shinano area, in Japan. The original castle was called Kaizu-jo, and is the site of the Battle of Kawanakajima. Oda Nobunuga eventually took control, However, when he was killed at Honnoji in 1582, Uesugi Kagekatsu take over the entire Shinano area. Kagekatsu, was ordered to move to Aizu by Hideyoshi. After the battle of Sekigahara, Sanada Nobuyuki, the brother of Yukimura, moved here in 1622. After this, the castle's name was changed to Matsushiro Castle by Sanada Yukimichi, the third generation of Sanada lords.

The castle buildings were dismantled during the Meiji Period so there are no original structures left.

Current site

On the current site, there are some gates and walls, however these are modern (though authentic) reconstructions.

External references

• Matsushiro Castle [1]