福井城（北ノ庄城）
Fukui Castle (Kitanosho Castle)
Overview
Fukui Castle was built in 1606 by Yūki Hideyasu, the second son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, on the site of Shibata Katsuie's former Kitanosho Castle. Hideyasu received Echizen Province (680,000 koku) as a reward for the Battle of Sekigahara. Kitanosho Castle, the predecessor fortress, was where the tragic Shibata Katsuie and his wife Lady Ōichi (Oda Nobunaga's sister) made their final stand in 1583. Echizen Province was historically a major center of swordsmithing, with the Echizen school producing renowned blades. Today, the castle ruins feature impressive stone walls and a moat, with Fukui Prefectural Government occupying the honmaru — a unique co-existence of history and modern administration.
Connection to Swords
Echizen Province was one of Japan's most important centers of swordsmithing. The most celebrated swordsmith of the region, Echizen Yasutsugu, served as the official swordsmith for three generations of Tokugawa shoguns (Ieyasu, Hidetada, Iemitsu) and was granted the right to use the Tokugawa hollyhock crest. Known as 'Aoi-shita Saka' (under the hollyhock), his flamboyant ōguromi-type blades are masterpieces of the Shintō period. The Echizen Yasutsugu lineage continued for generations across Echizen, Edo, and Harima branches. Shibata Katsuie's dramatic final stand at Kitanosho Castle with his blade in hand epitomizes the samurai's bond with the sword.
Highlights
- Honmaru stone walls and moat (Fukui Prefectural Government occupies the site)
- Ichijōdani Asakura Clan Ruins (Special National Historic Site — preserved Sengoku town)
- Fukui City Museum of Local History (Echizen Matsudaira swords and armor)
- Shibata Shrine (site of Kitanosho Castle, honoring Katsuie and Lady Ōichi)
- Eiheiji Temple (Sōtō Zen headquarters)
- Tōjinbō cliffs (scenic coastline)
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.
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