Kuwana castle 桑名城 kuwana-jou

castle ruin with rebuilt side tower

japanische Burg / Japanese castle

Kuwana City

Kuwana-jô – Japanese Castle | Hartmut Pohling

Kuwana-jō was a vital defensive stronghold and the 42nd station of the historic Tôkaidô road. Known as the “Floating Castle,” its moats were integrated with the Ibi River, giving it the appearance of floating on the water. As the eastern entrance to Ise Province, Kuwana was a major stop for pilgrims heading to the Ise Grand Shrine. In 1601, HONDA Tadakatsu was appointed lord of Kuwana. He oversaw a massive expansion of the castle and reorganized the town to accommodate the booming Tokaido traffic. While the main keep was destroyed in the 19th century and its stones used for port breakwaters.