{"id":149,"date":"2026-04-17T14:29:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T14:29:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shirolog.info\/?p=149"},"modified":"2026-04-29T14:08:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T14:08:02","slug":"77-takamatsucastl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shirolog.info\/en\/77-takamatsucastl\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Takamatsu Castle: The Water Fortress’s Defense Logic and the “Takamatsu Aoi” Crest"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

1. Basic Data to Know Before You Visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Item<\/strong><\/td>Details<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead>
Castle Name (No.)<\/strong><\/td>Takamatsu Castle (Japan’s Top 100 Castles No. 77)<\/td><\/tr>
Alias \/ Location<\/strong><\/td>Tamamo Castle \/ Tamamo-cho, Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture<\/td><\/tr>
Founder \/ Year<\/strong><\/td>Ikoma Chikamasa \/ 1588 (Tensho 16)<\/td><\/tr>
Main Structures<\/strong><\/td>Tsukimi Yagura Turret, Mizumon Gate, Saya-bashi Bridge, Stone Walls, Moats (Seawater-fed)<\/td><\/tr>
Stamp Locations<\/strong><\/td>East Gate Office, West Gate Office (Tamamo Park windows)<\/td><\/tr>
Hours \/ Fee<\/strong><\/td>West Gate: Sunrise to Sunset \/ East Gate: 7:00\u201318:00 (Seasonal) \/ Adult 200 yen, Child 100 yen<\/td><\/tr>
Parking<\/strong><\/td>Private parking is available, but it is closed early in the morning. Use nearby coin parking. Early morning is empty and smooth.<\/td><\/tr>
Estimated Time<\/strong><\/td>Approx. 1.5 hours (Perfect for exploring the villa and stone walls thoroughly)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2. [Field Report] Strategy Points & Dad’s Analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Desperate Defense Logic Focused on “Saya-bashi” Bridge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The structure where the only path to the Honmaru (Main Ward) is the single “Saya-bashi” bridge is truly impressive. Keigo and I discussed how easy it would be to defend by simply dropping the bridge, but it\u2019s a very practical design that would fill any attacker with despair. I also noticed that the “Inubashiri” (the path at the base of the stone walls) is extremely narrow compared to Imabari Castle. It reinforces the strict castle-building theory of never giving the enemy a foothold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Saya-bashi<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hat’s Off to Keigo\u2019s Observation! The “Takamatsu Aoi” and Resilience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While touring the magnificent “Hirokaku” villa, Keigo muttered, “It looks like the Tokugawa Aoi crest, but the pattern inside is slightly different.” I looked it up, and to my surprise, it was the unique “Takamatsu Aoi” design with a different number of leaf veins. As a proud dad, I was amazed by his eye for detail! We were also moved by the “Gutsy Pine Tree” growing out of the stone wall. Sharing that simple wonder of life’s resilience with my son is the true treasure of this trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

3. Guide for Families and International Visitors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n