Kubota Castle

Kubota Castle, located in Senshū Park in Akita City, Akita Prefecture (formerly Kubota in Akita District, Dewa Province), is not designated as a National Historic Site, but it is recognized as a scenic spot by Akita City under the name “Senshū Park (Kubota Castle Ruins).” It is also listed as No. 9 in the “Japan's Top 100 Castles.”

Kubota Castle served as the residence of the Satake clan, lords of the Kubota Domain during the Edo period. It was also known as Yadome Castle or Kakkon Castle. In official documents from the late Edo to Meiji period, the name “Akita Castle” was often used; however, this should not be confused with the ancient Akita Castle, the provincial government seat of Mutsu Province, which is in a different location. The official scenic designation remains “Senshū Park (Kubota Castle Ruins),” making Kubota Castle the accurate historical name.

The castle was constructed on Shinmeiyama, a hill about 40 meters high on the left bank of the Asahikawa River (a tributary of the Omono River) in the former Furumura Kubota area. It is classified as a hirayamajiro (hilltop-flatland castle). Stone walls were minimally used—mostly at the foundation—and earthen embankments known as “hachimaki dote” formed the main defensive structure. Instead of a tenshu (main keep), a symbolic watchtower residence called “Go-de-shoin” was built. The castle had eight turrets.

The limited use of stone walls may have been due to concerns over the Tokugawa shogunate or possibly due to regional building traditions in eastern Japan, where stone-less construction was common. Since the Satake clan originated from Hitachi Province, they reportedly lacked masonry expertise. However, records show the Satake clan later contributed to stone wall construction at Edo Castle.

Kubota Castle took advantage of natural terrain and waterways—rivers and marshes—for defense, incorporating water moats and round enclosure-style layouts commonly seen in western Japan. It is said that before a great fire in 1633 (Kan’ei 10), a three-story tower equivalent to a tenshu existed, though there is no surviving illustration or map to confirm this.

After another major fire in 1880 (Meiji 13), most of the castle structures were destroyed. As the city redeveloped, many moats were filled in, and the castle area became part of Akita’s early government district. Today, the Honmaru (main bailey) and Ninomaru (second bailey) form the Senshū District, which includes Senshū Park, while the Sannomaru (third bailey) hosts facilities like the Akita City Central Library Meitoku-kan, Akita Cultural Creation Center, and the Akita Cardiovascular and Spinal Center. The Akita Prefectural Governor’s Residence also stands on the site of the former Sannomaru Palace.

Of the original structures, the Omono-gashira Guardhouse, which survived both fire and relocation, remains intact and has been designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Akita City. The New Weapons Turret (御隅櫓) of the Honmaru has been reconstructed, and the main gate has been faithfully rebuilt in wood. Future restoration plans include the Matsushita Gate and the Kuro Gate. A rear gate that survived the fire was relocated to Rinshō-in Temple in Asahikita Teramachi, where it still exists after remodeling.