Nagoya Castle

Nagoya Castle, also known as Hizen-Nagoya Castle to distinguish it from the more famous structure in Aichi Prefecture, is a ruined Japanese castle located in the Chinzei neighborhood of Karatsu, Saga Prefecture. Situated on a hill in the center of the Higashi Matsuura peninsula, approximately ten kilometers north of Karatsu city, the site offers a strategic vantage point overlooking the region. The castle was constructed in 1591 under the orders of the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, with planning by Kuroda Yoshitaka and execution by local Kyushu lords commanded by Kato Kiyomasa and others. Its name was chosen due to a pleasing coincidence with Hideyoshi's hometown and the auspicious name of the mountain upon which it stood.

Historically, this fortress served as the critical field headquarters and command center for Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea between 1592 and 1598, which were intended as a stepping stone for the conquest of Ming China. Although the original structures were demolished in 1598 shortly after Hideyoshi's death, leaving no standing buildings today, the ruined foundations remain intact. These significant remnants were designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1926 and later elevated to a Special Historic Site in 1955, with the protected area expanded in 2000. The site stands as a testament to the ambitious military campaigns of the Sengoku period and the subsequent unification of Japan.

Currently, the castle grounds are open to the public as an archaeological park where visitors can explore the extensive ruins of the inner citadel and other fortifications. Adjacent to the historic site is a museum dedicated to the history of Japanese-Korean relations, providing context for the conflicts launched from this location. While the physical castle exists only as foundations, its preservation ensures that the legacy of this pivotal moment in East Asian history remains accessible for education and reflection. The site continues to be managed as a cultural heritage landmark, honoring its past role while serving modern historical inquiry.