A stone monument stands in what is now a residential area. This is the former Hananomaru Palace. Hananomaru, where the castle center was relocated to avoid a series of floods. From the middle of the Edo period, the feudal lords lived here and carried out their political duties.
Matsushiro Castle was protected by earthen walls, Chikuma River moats, and crescent moats, but it is said that Hananomaru wasn’t guarded as heavily. Why is that when the critical castle center was moved there?
This was due, in part, to the peace of the Edo period. Since there were no wars during this time, strong defensive structures weren’t needed. In fact, being overprotective suggested the Clans were conspiring to rebel against the shogunate. Showing no hostility was the greatest defense. In peaceful times, they survived by peaceful means.
