Azuchi Castle - Architecture and Design

Architecture and Design

In 1976, the Japanese architectural historian Naitō Akira published what he believed to be a conclusive summary of the features of Azuchi Castle, George Elison in The Cross and the Sword translated and shortened Naitō's description as follows:

The tower was a colossal structure, which soared some 138 feet into the air from the top of a hill, which itself rose 360 feet above the waters of an inlet of Lake Biwa. It had seven internal levels, although from the outside only five were apparent. The interior had some unexpected, unprecedented and unique features. The centre of the structure rose without a ceiling, up to level of the fifth floor, almost 62 feet from the ground. A stage for theatrical performances, which projected into this design, has caused professor Naitō to speculate on some possible European influence, derived from the Jesuits (whose churches, such as the exact contemporary, the Gesù in Rome, are noted for their spectacular vaults

However, the external design of Azuchi Castle is still debated, another Japanese Architectural Historian, Miyakami Shigetaka, has accused Professor Naitō Akira of failing to corroborate enough documentation to come to the conclusion he did.

All that remains of the castle today is the stone base. However, an approximate reproduction of Azuchi, based on illustrations and historical descriptions, stands in Ise Sengoku Village, a samurai theme park near Ise. In addition, an full-scale replica of the top floors of the donjon is on display at the Nobunaga no Yakata Museum near the original castle ruins.