Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle


Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle is a castle structure in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The site was designated a National Historic Site. Ichiya Castle means One Night Castle. Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle was one of the most famous and important among the castles built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Date Masamune met Toyotomi Hideyoshi for the first time in the castle.

History

During the siege of Odawara in 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi built the castle to show his power and put pressure on the Hōjō clan.
It took 80 days to complete but Hideyoshi built the castle in secret behind the wooded area, so when the trees were cut one night, the castle suddenly appeared. To the Hōjō clan it looked like the castle was built in just one night so Hōjō`s army lost the will to fight. As a result 9 days later Hōjō clan surrendered. Hideyoshi used Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle as a temporary military base so the castle was soon abandoned after the Siege.
The castle site is now Odawara City's municipal park. The site was listed as one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles in 2017.

Access

About 50 minutes by walk from Hayakawa Station.

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