# Kagoshima Castle

- **Country:** Japan
- **Coordinates:** 31.598250, 130.554414
- **Location Text:** Kagoshima, Kagoshima

Kagoshima Castle, also locally known as Tsurumaru Castle, is a historic flatland-style Japanese castle located in Kagoshima City within Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. Constructed between 1602 and 1606 by the prominent daimyo Shimazu Tadatsune, the fortress served as the primary stronghold for the powerful Satsuma clan throughout the Edo period. Unlike many contemporary castles featuring towering keeps and massive stone walls, this structure was built in the yakata-zukuri style, functioning more as a large, fortified residence with low walls and moats. The site was strategically selected using geomancy principles, utilizing natural defenses such as Mount Shiroyama to the north, the Kinko Bay to the south, and the Hegigawa River to the east to protect against potential invasions.

The historical significance of the castle stems from its creation following the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. After the Shimazu clan fought alongside the losing Western Army, Tadatsune relocated the clan's center of power from northern Satsuma to this southern location to distance themselves from the victorious Tokugawa shogunate while maintaining autonomy over their reduced territories. Today, the original structures no longer stand, and the location exists as an archaeological site designated as a National Historic Site of Japan since 2023. Despite the loss of most buildings, including the main citadel, the reconstructed Goromon Gate remains a visible landmark for visitors.

Recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles by the Japan Castle Foundation in 2006, the ruins continue to hold cultural importance and are open to the public. The site offers a glimpse into the unique defensive strategies and architectural preferences of the Satsuma domain during a turbulent era of Japanese history. While it lacks the imposing tenshu typical of other famous castles, its integration with the surrounding landscape and its role in preserving the legacy of the Shimazu family make it a noteworthy destination for history enthusiasts exploring the Kyushu region.

![Photo of Kagoshima Castle](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Kagoshima_Castle_Goromon.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagoshima_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)