Sakura Blooming on Ruins of Glory

#cherryblossom2024 An unusual castle The ruins of the Sicano Castle and the "former" city of the same name have a long history, known, unfortunately, to few. Spend half a day here and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of bygone times. Recommended Stroll through the quiet, well-kept streets of the former castle town To watch the performance of the Bird Theater troupe Admire the views from the ruins of the Sicano Castle How to get there Take the Shikano-yuki bus from Hamamura Station on the JR Sanin Main line. The domain of the great commander Kamei Korenori, daimyo of Shikano Castle, was born in Izumo Province (now part of Shimane Prefecture) in 1557. A subject of the Amago clan, he spent the first half of his life fighting his sworn enemies, the Mori clan from neighboring Yamaguchi Prefecture. Korenori joined forces with his son-in-law to fight for the Amago clan, and was victorious in 1551. Later, he fought under the banners of the great Japanese military leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who united Japan after decades of civil war in the 16th century. Under Hideyoshi's leadership, Korenori helped retake Tottori Province from the Mori clan and was appointed to manage Shikano Castle. After Hideyoshi's death, the daimyo served Tokugawa Ieyasu, since 1603 — the first shogun of the Tokugawa clan. Foreign secrets Korenori is also known as an experienced diplomat who showed great interest in foreign trade. He participated in the invasion of Korea, facilitated trade with Siam (now Thailand). Having visited foreign lands and seen a lot, he also changed his own possessions. It is said that he renamed the castle Ousya, in honor of the Buddhist center in India, and gave the shooting towers the names of Holland and Korea. The fortress looked quite unusual for its time — it is visible now. Stay here to feed the magnificent carp and admire the swans. In autumn, the path leading to the ruins of the castle at the top of Mount Shiroyama is framed by crimson maples, and in spring sakura blossoms along the castle moat. Wonderful landscape The streets of the former castle town are beautiful and well maintained. As in other castle towns, they are named after the craftsmen who once worked here: so, in the center of the city, the ancient streets of the Blacksmith and the Carpenter intersect. Not far from the tourist center is the temple of the Pure Land Buddhist School, Kose-ji. The legacy of the new era Next to the moat of the former castle, in the premises of a closed elementary school and kindergarten, there is a modern Bird Theater — one of the recent cultural innovations. Every year there is a two-week festival with the participation of foreign troupes.