Shiroishi Castle

Shiroishi Castle (also known as Masuoka Castle or Masuoka-jō) is a hirayama-style castle located in Masuoka Park in central Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, and is a designated historic site of the city. For about 260 years, from the Battle of Sekigahara until the Meiji Restoration, it served as the residence of the Katakura clan, senior retainers of the Date family, and as a key stronghold guarding the southern edge of the Sendai domain. Even after the “one castle per province” edict issued in 1615, it was one of the few castles permitted to remain, and during the Boshin War it also became an important stage for historical turning points such as the signing of the Ouuetsu Reppan Alliance pact.

History
The existence of a castle is believed to date to the late Sengoku period, but the founder and exact date are uncertain due to a lack of historical records. Throughout the Edo period, it served as the Katakura family’s seat. After the Meiji Restoration, it was surrendered to the new government and dismantled in 1874. Later, in 1995, the three-story turret (also called the main keep or large turret), along with the Otemon First Gate and Otemon Second Gate, were faithfully reconstructed in wood based on historical evidence to honor the achievements of Katakura Kojuro Kagetsuna. Some gates from the Edo period were relocated to temples and still survive today: the Higashiguchi Gate at Tochin-in Temple and the Umaya-guchi Gate at Enmeiji Temple.

Reconstruction and Structure of the Three-Story Turret (Main Keep)
Reconstruction year: 1995, about 120 years after its demolition in 1874
Scale: 3 stories (1st floor: 9 ken east-west × 6 ken north-south; 3rd floor: 5 ken east-west × 3 ken north-south)
Height: Approximately 16.7 m from the top of the stone base; one of the largest postwar wooden reconstructed keeps in both height and size
Reconstruction policy: A wooden reconstruction conducted as faithfully as possible based on excavations and historical research. It was rebuilt using domestic timber and traditional methods under a special approval pursuant to Article 38 of the Building Standards Act.

Main materials and methods: Yoshino cypress for the pillars, Aomori hiba for finishing materials, and pine logs, Japanese red cedar, and others. The structure uses traditional joinery without reinforcing metal fittings, and the walls are made of local earthen plaster finished with lime plaster. With a fire-resistant structure about 21–24 cm thick, it is designed for a service life of about 250 years.

Interior features: The first-floor perimeter includes a musha-bashi corridor, with ishiochi (stone-dropping openings) on the north and west sides, and the outer walls feature arrow slits (square) and gunports (round). The third floor also serves as a lookout turret, with a balustrade around all sides and flame-shaped entrances. The view is excellent, offering a panorama of Shiroishi Castle town and the Zao mountain range.

Stone walls: The keep platform uses nozumazumi, in which natural stones are piled without being cut, while from the base of the outer walls to the Otemon gate, uchikomi-hagi stonework with filler stones is used, reflecting differences in period and function.

Park and Seasonal Highlights
Masuoka Park is planted with about 200 cherry trees, which typically reach full bloom in mid-April. In summer, visitors can view the Shiroishi Summer Festival Fireworks from the keep, and from late October the autumn leaves reach their peak, creating a striking contrast between the white plastered castle and the colorful foliage. A chrysanthemum exhibition is also held during the same season, further enhancing the castle scenery. In winter, the white snow and plaster, soot-silver roof tiles, and the natural color of the wooden elements blend harmoniously, creating a dignified landscape with the Zao mountain range in the background.

Experiences and Facilities
Armor-wearing experience: Visitors can take photos while dressed in armor inside the castle grounds; it is popular with both domestic and international tourists. Reservations may be required.

Shiroishi Castle Historical Exploration Museum: Features a 1/500-scale diorama of the castle and castle town, as well as armor, swords, and matchlock guns associated with the Katakura family. Visitors can also learn about the history of Shiroishi Castle through theater footage shown on a large screen. The museum also includes a souvenir shop with Kojuro goods and local specialties such as Umen noodles, as well as a dining area.

Viewing Tips
To fully appreciate the reconstructed three-story turret, it is best to view both its exterior beauty and interior structure. There are many highlights throughout, including the arrow slits, stone-dropping openings, differences in stone wall construction, and traditional wooden beams and joinery. The sweeping panorama of Shiroishi City and the Zao mountain range from the top-floor balustrade changes with the seasons and time of day, captivating all who visit.

Shiroishi Castle, together with the name of Katakura Kojuro, conveys the military and cultural memory of the Date family to the present day as a symbol of Shiroishi City. From its wooden keep reconstructed using traditional methods to its practical defensive design, as well as its seasonal scenery and hands-on programs, it continues to attract a wide range of visitors, from history enthusiasts to families, as a celebrated castle that everyone can enjoy.