Motosakura Castle Ruins

Overview

Motosakura Castle stands as a testament to the Sengoku (Warring States) period, serving as the main base for nine generations of the Chiba clan. The Chiba clan secured their position by overthrowing the Makuwari clan, who had usurped the headship of the Chiba family in the late Muromachi period. They subsequently relocated their base from the previous Inohana Castle to this inland location, building Motosakura Castle. Motosakura Castle consisted of an inner and outer ward. The inner ward, situated on a peninsula-like hill with a valley to the south, was once surrounded by wetlands on three sides, forming a formidable stronghold. The expansive outer ward, connected to the inner ward, utilized the natural terrain and moats to create distinct sections. It's believed to have been developed as residential areas for the Chiba clan's vassals as their power grew. In 1590, after the Odawara campaign, the Chiba clan were stripped of their domains by the Tokugawa shogunate, leading to the castle's initial demolition. A fortified residence was subsequently constructed in its place. Later, in 1602, Matsudaira Tadateru, and in 1610, Ogasawara Yoshiji and Doi Toshikatsu established their clan governments in Sakura. However, the 'one-castle-per-domain' policy of 1615 led to the castle's abandonment. Today, the castle's ramparts and moats remain almost perfectly preserved. On September 11, 1998, it was designated as a national historic site, the first castle in Chiba Prefecture to receive this honor. Motosakura Castle Ruins offers a tangible connection to the Sengoku period. Take a leisurely stroll and imagine the events that unfolded within these historic walls.