Introducing Hachioji Castle Ruins From The 16th Century in Hachioji City, Tokyo

Hachioji Castle was a kind of fort castle built on Mt. Fukasawa (near current Takao town, Hachioji city) in the 1580s, which was during Japanese Warring State Period.  A Samurai lord Ujiteru Hojo built it. 

Hojo family had been a powerful Samurai lord family until the 16th century. Their main castle was Odawara Castle, which was located in current Odawara City, Kanagawa prefecture (The castle was rebuilt and it is a popular tourist spot now). Ujiteru's oldest brother took over the main castle and Ujiteru was protecting the north part of their territory. 

As you can see the photo of a diorama around Hachioji Castle on the left hand side photo, the whole mountain was used for the castle, therefore the location was naturally impregnable. Ujiteru believed his castle was safe against enemies. However, just few years later it fell in only one day during Ujiteru's absence. Most of Ujiteru's people died at the defeat and the castle buildings were completely destroyed.

Perhaps because of the tragic fact, the place is also known as a ghosts' spot now. However, it is said that the rumors of ghosts started to spread after modern times, especially while a collage was located near the castle. Generally speaking, young kids tend to like such a scary story and they probably took a part to spread the rumors of ghosts.

Actual surroundings of Hachioji Castle is beautiful nature and there is no ghostly atmosphere. There is even a nice guidance center built several years ago as shown in the upper right hand side photo. What's more, there is a very old shrine called "Hachioji Shirne" near the main Bailey of the castle on top of Mt. Fukasawa and apparently this shrine's name was the origin of the place name "Hachioji". So Hachioji Castle Ruins is really an important historical spot for Hachioji.

A Real Samurai Castle Remaining from Late 16th Century in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Matsumoto Castle in Matsumoto city, Nagano prefecture is one of the rare old castles which still has the original building constructed between late 16th century and early 17th century. Today it is designated as a national treasure in Japan.

The black building in the photos above is the main castle tower of Japanese style castles called "Tenshukaku". The word literally means "Castle Tower Protecting the Sky". This "Tenshukaku" looks all black since the walls are painted by Japanese lacquer. Nowadays some local people affectionately call this castle "Crow Castle" because of the color.

However the castle wasn't always maintained well in the history. After the shogunate government collapsed and Samurai era ended, Japan established the first modern government, and the "Tenshukaku" was put up for an auction and about to be torn down. However, some influential locals acquired the "Tenshukaku" and established an organization to preserve the building.

So, because of the local people's efforts we can enjoy seeing/visiting this beautiful castle now.