Iwayadō Castle

Oshu, Japan, Japan

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Iwayadō Castle (also called Shakuchi Castle) is a ruined hilltop castle located in the Esashi Ward of Ōshū City, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, whose remains are now mixed with modern buildings such as Hachiman Shrine, Iwayadō Elementary School, and Iwayadō High School.

The castle began as a stronghold of Fujiwara no Tsunekiyo in the late Heian period and was used by his son Fujiwara no Kiyohira, the founder of the powerful Northern Fujiwara clan, before Kiyohira moved his main seat to the new capital at Hiraizumi sometime between 1090 and 1100.

Today, the site is preserved as Tateyama Historical Park, where the ruins of the honmaru (main enclosure) can be seen, and an octagonal hall and Nisei-in temple were erected to honor Tsunekiyo and Kiyohira, with the temple usually closed but open twice a year in May and August. 

The park is known for its seasonal scenery of cherry blossoms, hydrangeas, and maple trees, and it stands on land that once belonged to one of the most influential families in the ancient history of northern Japan, whose legacy also lives on in local crafts such as Iwayado tansu chest furniture, which developed from traditions rooted in the strength and commerce of Iwayadō’s castle town.