33.Takaoka Castle Part3

Later History

After Takaoka Castle was officially abandoned, Takaoka City prospered with trading. The Kaga Domain banned people entering the ruins of Takaoka Castle to preserve it. However, after the Meiji Restoration, the ruins were sold to private section. They were turned into residential or office area. . On the other hand, many people were worried about it and started to make the ruins a park at the same time. They established Takaoka Castle Ruins Park in 1875, developed it and completely removed the residences and offices in 1909. Since then, many public facilities were built on the park. There was even a baseball ground in the Main Enclosure once after World War II. Finally, the ruins were designated as a National Historic Site in 2015.

My Impression

When I visited the ruins of Takaoka Castle, I was wondering why the ruins still have so large enclosures and water moats even though the castle only existed for a short time. In the cases of other castles being abandoned at the same time as Takaoka Castle, they were often destroyed or left alone. After visiting, I learned that the foundation and the water moats of the castle may have been built for a long time. I also learned that the Kaga Domain and local people made great efforts to maintain the ruins as well. That’s why the ruins remain very well and a very popular attraction in this area.

How to get There

If you want to visit there by car:
It is about 15 minutes away from Takaoka IC on the Noetsu Expressway.
There are some parking lots in the park.
if you go there by train, it’s about 15 minutes walk from Takaoka Station.
To get to Takaoka Station from Tokyo: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen super express and transfer at Toyama Station to the Ainokaze Toyama Railway.

That’s all. Thank you.
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