The Beautiful Otaki Castle!
This video, titled "Sword World｜Otaki Castle｜Swords and Armor Displays" (【刀剣ワールド】「大多喜城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画), uploaded by "Virtual Sword Museum [Sword World]," introduces the history of Otaki Castle in Otaki, Isumi, Chiba, as well as the museum’s collection of swords and armor.
This article provides information on the history of Otaki Castle as well as tourist information, information on exhibits, and information about the opening of the Otaki Castle branch of the Chiba Prefectural Central Museum.
The history of Otaki Castle and materials on swords and armor are explained in an easy-to-understand way, so even those not familiar with swords, armor, and other historical materials can enjoy it as well.
The History of Otaki Castle
Otaki Castle was built by Mariyatsu Nobukiyo during the Tenbun period, and the castle was called Odaki Castle at that time.
Afterwards, Tokugawa Ieyasu gave the castle to Honda Tadakatsu, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa, who improved the old castle and became the first feudal lord of the Otaki clan.
The castle town prospered during the Warring States period (1467 to 1615), and the remains of the castle and its surrounding area are still visible to this day.
It is said that the castle tower, which had fallen into disrepair, was destroyed by a fire in 1842.
Today, the ruins of the main castle, a large well (a Chiba-designated historical site), and the Ninomaru Palace Gate remain.
Otaki Castle Museum
The castle tower was built in 1975 on the site of the inner citadel of Otaki Castle, a Chiba Prefecture-designated historical site, and the interior is a history museum.
You can see the inside of the museum at 1:25 in the video.
The theme of the exhibition is "Castles and the Castle Town of Boso," and exhibits include Japanese swords, armor, and other materials related to samurai.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, special exhibitions are also held.
There is a popular experience booth where you can try on armor, a statue of Lord Honda Tadakatsu donning his black armor, a painting of Honda Tadakatsu in his warrior form, which is shown at 2:15, and the "hare shaped helm," shown at 2:44 in the video.
If you're looking for souvenirs, be sure to stop by the museum shop as well!
Access to the castle is a 15-minute walk from Otaki Station on the Isumi Railway.
There is also a paid parking lot located 5 minutes from Otaki Castle by foot.
The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Mondays and New Year's holidays. (Please check the official website for the latest information.
Summary of Otaki Castle
Photo：Otaki Castle in Spring
In this video clip, you can learn about the history of Otaki Castle and its exhibits.
Otaki Castle is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.
The red seal (goshuin) and the castle seal are also popular, and there are many restaurants where you can have lunch, as well as golf courses around Otaki Castle, making the town of Otaki popular with many visitors.
Feel a sense of romance by watching the video.
【Address】481 Otaki, Otaki, Isumi, Chiba 298-0216
【Access】15 minutes from Isumi Railway Otaki Station on foot
【Admission fee】200 yen
【Hours】9 am to 4:30 pm
【Parking】A paid parking lot is available
【Official Website】Otaki Castle