田中城
Tanaka Castle
Overview
Tanaka Castle in Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan's most architecturally unique castles — built in a rare concentric circle layout ('rinkaku-shiki'), with the honmaru, ninomaru, sannomaru, and outer walls arranged in perfect rings. A strategic flashpoint between the Takeda and Tokugawa clans, it was later associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu's late years. The famously blunt castle lord Honda Shigetsugu sent what became Japan's most famous brevity — a letter to his wife that read: 'Mind the fire. Don't make Sen cry. Fatten the horse.' The circular moat layout left its imprint on the modern streets of Fujieda.
Connection to Swords
Tanaka Castle's sword heritage reflects its position at the Takeda-Tokugawa frontier. During Takeda occupation, elite Takeda cavalry stationed here carried battle-hardened blades from Kai Province smiths prized for resilience. After Ieyasu took control, Suruga swordsmiths settled nearby to serve the Tokugawa retainers. Honda Shigetsugu, the quintessential no-nonsense Mikawa warrior, maintained the Mikawa tradition of practical, unadorned swords over decorative pieces. The Fujieda City Museum at the castle site displays related arms and historical materials, while nearby Shizuoka City institutions preserve major Tokugawa sword collections.
Highlights
- Concentric circular layout (rare 'rinkaku-shiki' design visible in modern streets and waterways)
- Tanaka Castle Shimoyashiki park (reconstructed honmaru buildings)
- Japan's most circular well — perfectly round cross-section, symbolic of the castle's unique design
- Fujieda City Museum (Tanaka Castle and Suruga historical materials)
- Honda Shigetsugu heritage sites (author of 'Japan's shortest letter')
- Rengejike Park (Fujieda's premier nature park, lotus blossoms)
* Opening hours and admission fees are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.
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