Iga Ueno Castle (Iga City, Mie Prefecture)

　This is the castle of Todo family and Tsu feudal domain, based in present-day Tsu city, Mie prefecture.

　The Tsu feudal domain also had Iga country (Western Mie prefecture) as its territory and used Iga Ueno Castle as a base for governing Iga country.

Castle tower of Iga Ueno Castle

　In first year of Genna (1615), at beginning of Edo Shogunate, "One feudal domain and One castle" ordinance was promulgated to reduce power of various feudal lords.

　In principle, each feudal domain destroyed castles in its bases other than its own.

　According to this, the Tsu feudal domain would only be allowed Tsu castle, but since the Tsu feudal domain also had Ise country (Mie prefecture) where Tsu castle is located, and Iga province to west as its territory, it was treated as "The residence of Iga country." As an exception, Iga Ueno castle was granted permission, and the Todo family served as the castle's successive lords.

　The main feature of the castle is "Japan's tallest stone wall," which is approximately 30 m high.

　It is the tallest existing stone wall in Japan. Peeking into the outer moat from above is so dizzying that you can experience its power.

Stone wall of Iga Ueno Castle

　Speaking of local celebrities, it is definitely Haisei (Haiku-Saint) Matsuo Basho.

　Nearby, there are facilities related to Basho, such as Basho's museum and his birthplace as well as a building with a motif of Basho's image called "Haiseiden (Haiku-Saint’s Palace)."

　Although it is a modern building built in 1942, it is designated as a national important cultural property.

Haiseiden

　The place name "Iga Ueno" is confusing in this area.

　During Edo period, there was a castle town with a series of samurai residences centered around Iga Ueno Castle. The nearby area was called "Ueno" because of the name of the place where the castle towered on Mt. Ueno.

　Even in modern times, there has been a local government called "Ueno City," and the locals have continued to call for "Iga Ueno," but in 2004 it merged with a neighboring municipality and was named "Iga City," and this continues to the present.

　However, as exemplified by Iga Ueno Castle, the place names "Ueno" and "Iga Ueno" that have been popular for many years are still alive and well, and you can see these signs and signs all over the city.

　Maybe you will a little confused as to whether this is "Iga City" or "Ueno City."