🗺️ Kiyosu Castle清洲城

Kiyosu Castle was built in 1405 by Saito Yoshishige, who was the guardian of Owari Province (now the western part of Aichi Prefecture), as a subordinate castle to "Shimozu Castle," which served to protect Owari. In 1555, after Oda Nobunaga moved from Nagoya to Kiyosu Castle, he launched a campaign from Kiyosu Castle in 1560, achieving a stunning victory over Imagawa Yoshimoto, a daimyō of the Tōkaidō, at the Battle of Okehazama. In 1582, following the death of Oda Nobunaga and his son Oda Nobutada during the "Honnō-ji Incident," the "Kiyosu Conference" was held at Kiyosu Castle to decide the successor. The current Kiyosu Castle was reconstructed in 1989 and features many exhibits related to the Sengoku period, making it a must-visit spot for Sengoku enthusiasts. One of the striking exhibition themes, "Kiyosu Castle and the Castle Town," showcases the bustling urban landscape beneath Kiyosu Castle during the Sengoku period. Additionally, there are exhibitions highlighting the close relationships between Sengoku warlords such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu with Kiyosu Castle, which are also essential to see. Nearby Kiyosu Castle, across the Gojō River, lies "Kiyosu Ancient Castle Ruins Park," where it is said that Kiyosu Castle was originally built. There, visitors can see a stone monument inscribed with "Kiyosu Ancient Castle Ruins," a shrine dedicated to Oda Nobunaga, and a statue of Oda Nobunaga and his wife Nohime. In spring, the cherry blossoms along the banks of the Gojō River and in Kiyosu Park bloom beautifully, attracting many people to enjoy the flowers.

Oda Nobunaga launched his campaign from this castle and made a remarkable impact at the "Battle of Okehazama," making this the starting point of his unification of the country. Kiyosu Castle is also well-known as the stage for the "Kiyosu Conference," which determined Oda Nobunaga's successor. An exhibition that explores the various relationships among the warlords of the Sengoku period is a must-see.