Yamanashi Prefecture

Kofu Castle, also known as Maizuru Castle, is a hilltop style Japanese Castle located in Kofu Yamanashi Prefecture. In 1583, after Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified Japan he ordered the construction of Kofu Castle. The construction of Kofu Castle was completed by Asano Nagamasa (Toyotomi’s brother-in-law) and Nagamasa’s son. After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Kofu Castle came under the control of Tokugawa family, with whom control remained until the end of Tokugawa shogunate. When Kofu Castle was under the control of Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu it was repaired and the associated town was developed. In 1877 most of the Kofu Castle buildings were destroyed as a part of Meiji Restoration. Later Kofu Station was built within the area of main castle compound. Two turrets have been reconstructed using traditional techniques. |