(Dubbed) 4K Journey to Okayama Castle in Cherry Blossom Season!

Fukuyama Castle—

Fukuyama Castle…
rises in the heart of Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture—
a hirayama-style castle…
and one of the representative castles…
of the early Edo period.

In 1622—
it was constructed by Mizuno Katsunari…
a cousin of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Katsunari…
was known as a brilliant military commander…
who survived countless battles.

After entering Fukuyama…
as lord of the Bingo region…
with an income of 100,000 koku—
he began building Fukuyama Castle…
as a key defensive stronghold…
for western Japan.

The castle was built…
across the area now located…
just north of JR Fukuyama Station.

It served not only…
as a military base overseeing the Sanyō Road—
but also as the political… economic…
and cultural center of the region.

One of Fukuyama Castle’s…
most distinctive features—
is the northern side of the castle tower…
covered with iron plates.

This northern face…
was considered the most vulnerable side…
against enemy attack.

By covering the walls with iron plating…
the castle improved…
its fire resistance… and defensive strength.

This design…
is extremely rare in Japan—
and remains one of the castle’s defining characteristics.

Within the castle grounds…
there are also structures…
said to have been relocated…
from Fushimi Castle in Kyoto—

including the Fushimi Yagura…
and the Sujigane Gate.

In particular…
the Fushimi Yagura…
has been designated…
as an Important Cultural Property of Japan—
preserving valuable castle architecture…
from that era.

However—
during the Fukuyama Air Raid of 1945…
many buildings… including the main tower…
were destroyed by fire.

The current castle tower…
was reconstructed in 1966—
and today…
serves as a museum…
introducing the history of Fukuyama…
and Japanese castle culture.

In 2022…
the castle marked…
its 400th anniversary.

A large-scale restoration…
was also carried out—
including the revival…
of the famous iron-plated exterior.

Today…
the castle stands once again…
in a form closer to its original appearance.

In spring…
Fukuyama Castle is also known…
as a celebrated cherry blossom destination—

and the scenery created…
by the castle and blooming sakura…
continues to captivate visitors…
and photographers alike.

● Google Map:
[https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=ja&mid=1BaVaFq7OjWGoiMgn8GcBuWQnguHJTexI&ll=34.66437508425716%2C133.93627998194708&z=17&entry=yt](https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?hl=ja&mid=1BaVaFq7OjWGoiMgn8GcBuWQnguHJTexI&ll=34.66437508425716%2C133.93627998194708&z=17&entry=yt)

Music by ikson:
[http://www.soundcloud.com/ikson](http://www.soundcloud.com/ikson)

● Correction Notice:
A narration detail regarding the Battle of Sekigahara in the video has been corrected.

・Before Correction:
Keichō 5 (1650)

・Corrected Version:
Keichō 5 (1600)