Samurai Residences and Matsusaka GojobanYashiki /Matsuzaka Castle Ruins
- The town of Matsusaka built by the famous general Ujisato Gamo
- In anticipation of the development of the castle town, Ujisato Gamo built a castle on a hill called Yoihonomori and named the area ``Matsuzaka.'' You can certainly sense his high sense of style, but what was even more amazing was that he was also a master of town planning.
- Ujisato sought to turn Matsusaka into a full-fledged commercial capital by inviting Omi (Hino) merchants to set up shops on both sides of the Sangu Highway.
The reason Matsusaka became home to many wealthy merchants and later became known as the ``Merchant's Town'' was precisely because Ujisato had drawn up a clear plan for town development.
Looking down on the town of Matsusaka at the Matsusaka Castle ruins. The town of the future that Ujisato envisioned is here. Isn't it strange that just that makes my heart warm?
- Samurai pride and GojobanYashiki
- After strolling around the castle ruins, let's go down to the `` GojobanYashiki'' (a nationally designated important cultural property). This is the head house of the Kishu feudal samurai who was responsible for guarding the castle, and its descendants are still living there, making it a rare ``living samurai residence'' in Japan. Moreover, the history here is also dramatic!
Twenty samurai who had been in the lineage of direct retainers (vassals under the lord of the domain) since the first lord of the Kishu domain, Yorinobu Tokugawa, were suddenly ordered to become retainers (vassals of a vassal). In other words, he was given a demotion.
Life or the pride of a samurai? After thinking about it, he decided to take on the pride of a samurai and embark on the path of a ronin.
- As a result of continuing to petition without giving up hope for those six years, he was finally able to return to the domain as a direct vassal, and it is said that he protected the area as the castle keeper of Matsuzaka Castle.
The blood certificate from this time is displayed in the mansion. I remember not being able to take my eyes off him, wondering if his extraordinary feelings were expressed in every single letter (though I couldn't read them). What are the feelings of the Kishu feudal retainers who persevered through their aspirations and were finally able to return to their domain? I'm sure he risked his life to protect Matsuzaka Castle.
- Descendants' feelings that they want to cherish...
- With the Meiji Restoration, many samurai lost their lives, but in order to protect their hard-won pride and the symbol of that pride, the samurai residences, they started a company called Byoshusha. Established. We survived the times by coming together.
The reason why their descendants still cherish and protect it is probably due to the strong feelings of their ancestors.
- one of the residents says.
``Honestly, it's not like we haven't talked about turning it into an apartment building.It's also difficult to maintain and manage.However, out of all the different opinions, we decided to keep it.''It's not like we haven't talked about turning it into an apartment. There is also resistance to destroying things ourselves. There are things that cannot be replaced, after all."
- History is carved with the colors of the four seasons.
- Anyway, what's so wonderful about this stone-paved row of rowhouses is the long pine fence.
Plum blossoms in March, cherry blossoms in April, autumn leaves, rain-soaked cobblestones...No matter the season or the weather, this place is picturesque.
``When I'm here, I'm amazed at the beauty of the four seasons.It's really a nice place to live.People who come here say, ``No matter how many times I come here, it's nice here.''As a descendant, I'm more than happy to hear people say things like that."
I would like to continue to watch over the history and color that GojobanYashiki continues to create.
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The stone wall with a nozura pattern, which can be said to be a symbol of Matsusaka, is both impressive and beautiful. -
Matsuzaka Castle currently has no buildings and only the stone walls remain, but you can get a glimpse of Ujisato's taste (it is a nationally designated historic site). -
Beautiful stone pavements, makigaki fences, and rows of row houses. GojobanYashiki has a different look depending on the season and weather. -
The interior of one house at the north end of the west wing is open to the public, giving us a glimpse of what it once looked like.
If you want to sightsee around the Matsuzaka Castle Ruins, we recommend the course that goes from Matsusaka Castle Ruins to MatsusakaCity History and Folklore Museum (a nationally registered tangible cultural property) to GojobanYashiki to Doshin Town. Why not take a walk through the charming town of Matsusaka and experience its history?
We also recommend wearing Matsusaka Momen and strolling around the area (charges apply; advance reservations required). Dressing can be completed in just 3 minutes! You can also wear it over clothes.
For more information, please contact Matsusaka Station Tourist Information Center (TEL 0598-23-7771).
GojobanYashiki
| address | 1385 Tonomachi MatsusakaCity |
|---|---|
| business hours | 10:00～16:00 |
| Closed days, etc. | Closed on Mondays and New Year's holidays |
| Access by public transportation | From JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station, take a bus bound for Matsusaka Chuo Hospital, Ureshino Isshicho, or Asaka/Ono, and get off at Shimin Hospital-mae, which takes about 5 minutes and gets off at 3 minutes. 3 minutes from Suzu no Oto bus “Citizen Hospital” |
| Access by car | Approximately 10 minutes by car from Ise Expressway “Matsusaka IC” |
