Akō Castle

Akō Castle (赤穂城) is a flatland castle located in Akō, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. The castle is a nationally designated Historic Site and its gardens a Place of Scenic Beauty.

History
This Akō castle is not to be confused with an earlier fortification located to the north. When the present castle was constructed, it took 13 years to complete the 12 gates and 10 yagura, or towers. Also, the castle was built on the seashore, and at the time of its construction, one could set sail from docks located in the castle. The construction was done under the surveillance of Asano Naganao, who became the lord of the region in 1615. During the Meiji Restoration, Akō Castle was partly dismantled, along with many other castles. However, several buildings have since been re-constructed, following the end of the Second World War.