When it comes to Aizu's symbol, it's the beautifully towering 'Tsurugajo (Aizuwakamatsu Castle)'.
Have you ever looked up at the castle and thought, 'It's beautiful' when you saw the wave-like roofs layered upon each other or the protruding bay windows?
In fact, that elegant design hides a "terrifying military calculation to efficiently annihilate enemies" rather than just being a decoration.
This time, we will guide you through the deep codes and mysteries of tenshu architecture that will completely change your perspective on castles.
[Mystery 1] Why did Nobunaga write "Tenshu" instead of "Tenshu"?
The tallest and largest building at a castle is often referred to as the "tenshukaku."
In fact, this term is mostly recorded as "tenshu" in historical records of castles. However, did you know that only one castle in Japanese history, Azuchi Castle built by Oda Nobunaga, used the kanji "Tenshu"?
There are various theories, but it is said that Nobunaga, who feared neither gods nor buddhas, used it to show that "he is the lord of the world (heaven)." Can you not see the intense ego and pride of a Sengoku warlord in just a single character difference?
[Mystery 2] The changed "shape of the tenshu" after the Battle of Sekigahara
There are two major trends in the silhouette (shape) of castles. When viewed alongside the historical background, it becomes clear how the daimyos of the time thought.
Two trends of tenshu
・Bourou-type tenshu:
This is an old-style castle. It has a large foundation house of 1-2 stories with a "watchtower" placed on top to overlook the distance. Even if the lower floors have an irregular shape, it is a wild structure that can forcibly place a tower on top, emphasizing practical combat.
・Soutou-type tenshu:
This is a new style that appeared after the Battle of Sekigahara. From the first floor to the top floor, square boxes are stacked up, gradually getting smaller in a regular manner, creating a smart and beautiful shape. It shows a shift from a "fortress for battle" to a "symbol of power (appearance)" in the era of peace. (Currently, Tsurugajo also has this beautiful silhouette of the soutou type.)
The beautiful roof conceals a zero blind spot space for snipers
The triangular decorations found all over the castle's roof are called "hafuu." Various types such as chidori hafuu and kara hafuu combine to create stunning beauty, but if you were a soldier attacking this castle, there would be nothing more terrifying.
This is because the back of these hafuu and the "bay window" that juts out contain functions to eliminate blind spots and shoot enemies directly below or to the side.
Terrifying gimmicks for interception
・Sama:
Small round, triangular, or square holes opened in the wall. From here, one could observe the outside and safely snipe with arrows or guns.
・Stone Dropping:
This is a terrifying trap where part of the floor of the bay window opens up, allowing stones to be dropped straight down or hot water to be poured.
From the outside, it looks like a 'beautiful decoration', but from the inside, it's a 'perfect fortress'. This gap is what makes Japanese castle architecture the most academically interesting.
Fieldwork to decipher the 'hidden face' of history
How was it?
Craftsmanship and the contradiction of real combat?
Additionally, the castle is filled with the craftsmanship and pride of artisans in details such as the flat and thick decoration called 'Unokedoushi' hanging in the center of the karahafu and the 'Kizuregoushi' with boards attached behind a lattice structure. (By the way, Kizuregoushi is not often used in castles focused on real combat due to its vulnerability to fire. Finding such weaknesses is also interesting!)
At 'Tabinoito', we offer a tour in the [Academic Style] that guides you through the duality of 'beauty' and 'horror' of castle architecture with the vivid explanations of our guides.
Were they aiming from there with guns?! Is the stone going to drop from this bay window?!
Why not look up at Tsuruga Castle from the perspectives of both the attackers and defenders? We look forward to the day we can solve historical mysteries together with you.
[Unraveling the hidden side of history, an adult fieldwork experience]
A journey that comfortably explores the real breath of history, different from period dramas, in a dedicated vehicle.
Our exclusive guide will share stories of Aizu that are not found in textbooks.
First, feel free to consult us via LINE.
