犬山城天守 Inuyama-jyo-tensyu The donjon of Inuyama Castle
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Inuyama Castle located in Inuyama City, Aichi Pref. has Japan’s oldest donjon, which is designated as a National Treasure. The castle is said to have been built in the late Muromachi period (the 16th century) and later relocated to the present place by Nobuyasu Oda, Nobunaga’s uncle in 1573. Several castellans occupied the castle from the Edo period through the beginning of the Meiji period. The castle was seized in 1871, when domain system was abolished by the government, and most of the buildings except the donjon were demolished. In 1891, the castle was damaged in an earthquake, and it was returned to the Naruse family, the ex-castellan of the castle, in 1895 on the condition that they repair and maintain it. Since then it had long been the only castle in Japan that was owned by an individual person. It was, however, transferred to an incorporated foundation in 2004. The donjon is the three-story five-floor watchtower, standing on the hill with an altitude of 80 m facing the Kiso River. Visitors can command a panoramic view of Inuyama City from the top foor of the donjon.
- address
- 65-2 kitakokenInuyamaInuyama-shiAichiJapan 484-0082
- name
- Inuyama-jyo