The castle was held by Shimizu Muneharu, who famously committed seppuku to save his soldiers after the flooding strategy made defense impossible.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi used over 3,000 meters of dikes to redirect the Ashimori River to flood the castle grounds.
The site is often referred to as the 'Water Castle' due to the artificial lake created during the 1582 siege.
The strategic flooding of Bitchu Takamatsu Castle is considered one of the earliest large-scale civil engineering military tactics in Japanese history.
The park contains a cenotaph dedicated to the memory of the castle lord, Shimizu Muneharu.
Takamatsujoshi Park, also known as Bitchu Takamatsu Castle Ruins, is a historic site preserving the earthworks of a fortification famously besieged by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1582. The park grounds highlight the site of the 'Takamatsu Mizu-zeme,' or water attack, where Hideyoshi diverted a river to flood the castle. Most of the original structures are gone, leaving behind elevated earthen ramparts and remnants of moats that define the former castle layout. The park acts as a memorial site commemorating the Shimizu Muneharu sacrifice, an event pivotal to the unification of Japan. Visitors can observe the preserved terrain which features significant changes in elevation indicative of the original defensive construction. It is managed as a local historical park with walking paths that trace the perimeter of the former water-locked fortress. The site is situated within the rural landscape of Kita Ward in Okayama.
From the raised mounds looking out over the reconstructed moat area.
Bring comfortable walking shoes as the terrain around the earthen ramparts can be uneven.
Visit during the historical reenactment events if your schedule aligns for a deeper cultural context.
Check the local signage for maps that indicate the extent of the original flooding zones.
Do not climb on the steep earthen embankments, as they are preserved historical features that can erode.
Maintain silence as it serves as a memorial site; stay on marked paths to preserve the earthworks.
