Takashimizu Park

Overview

Takashimizu Park in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, occupies part of the grounds of Akita Castle, an ancient Japanese fortified settlement (jōsaku). The site of a stronghold that anchored the northern part of Dewa Province from the Nara through the Heian periods has been laid out as a park, where visitors can stroll while tracing a stage of history. Akita Gokoku Shrine also stands within the grounds.

Highlights

• ●A historic park set on the grounds of ancient Akita Castle
• ●A stage of northern Dewa history dating back to a 733 founding
• ●Selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (No. 107)
• ●Akita Gokoku Shrine standing within the grounds

History

The origins of Akita Castle date to 733, when the Dewa stockade was moved from the Shōnai area to Takashimizu Hill in the village of Akita, and it is thought to have been renamed Akita Castle during the Tenpyō-hōji era. Functioning as a fortified settlement from its Nara-period founding to the mid-10th century Heian period, it served as a center of administration, military affairs, diplomacy, and culture in northern Dewa, and as the northernmost base of the ritsuryō state. Excavations have pointed to signs of exchange with the Bohai kingdom. In 2017 it was selected as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (No. 107).

Map

39.7400, 140.0833 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Head to the historic park spread across Takashimizu Hill
2. 2Tour the restored gate and remains of the castle grounds
3. 3Reflect on ancient history such as exchange with Bohai
4. 4Stop to pay respects at Akita Gokoku Shrine in the park

Did you know?

💡 Akita Castle was the northernmost of the fortified settlements established by the imperial court, and is thought to have served as a base for exchange with the Emishi of Tsugaru and Watarishima and for diplomacy with Bohai across the sea. It is designated a National Historic Site.

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