Marugame Castle

Marugame Castle, also known as Kameyama Castle, was constructed from 1597 to 1602 under the commands of feudal lord Ikoma Chikamasa. The castle was torn down 13 years later though due to a policy created by a shogun limiting the number of castles in each province to one. In 1660, when the province was divided into two, Marugame Castle was once again constructed. Today Marugame Castle is one of the twelve original castles of Japan, having survived post feudal ages. The castle though went through many fires and therefore only the original keep and a few castle gates remain today. Despite this fact, many people gather to Marugame Castle grounds in the spring to view the over 1,000 cherry blossoms bloom beautifully.