Memories of the Castle Town
Because Old Akō Waterworks, known as one of Japan's three great waterworks, were laid in the early years of the Edo period, the streets of the castle town (in other words, the zoning) have remained unchanged to this day. If you travel down one of the side roads off of Oshiro Dori street in front of Banshū-Akō Station, you'll find temples that have quietly stood there since the Edo period. You may even find vestiges of historical times, such as hiding spaces for warriors known as musha gakushi.
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- Exploring Akō Castle
- Memories of the Castle Town
Because Old Akō Waterworks, known as one of Japan's three great waterworks, were laid in the early years of the Edo period, the streets of the castle town (in other words, the zoning) have remained unchanged to this day. If you travel down one of the side roads off of Oshiro Dori street in front of Banshū-Akō Station, you'll find temples that have quietly stood there since the Edo period. You may even find vestiges of historical times, such as hiding spaces for warriors known as musha gakushi.
Old Himeji Road (Dodomeseki)
It is said that this road was repaired during Hashiba Hideyoshi's campaign against the Mōri clan. This road was previously a causeway and a water supply canal in Old Akō Waterworks.
View Location on Google MapsKumamigawa River (Kariyagawa River)
Before the flood in 1892, there was a large river that was 150 meters wide and faced Akō Castle and the castle town. Kariyagawa river is a remnant of that river.
View Location on Google MapsKagakujidori Shopping Street
A shopping street with an old-fashioned atmosphere. One block south of this shopping street is the Akō Dantsu workshop.
View Location on Google MapsOld Bizen Road
Himeji road and Bizen road met in the castle town of Akō. It is believed that a naturally-formed embankment became Bizen road. The road has a gentle curve, which obstructed the view of enemy soldiers.
View Location on Google MapsAngled Roads
Aside from the three main streets that have been repaired in modern times, most of the roads in the castle town of Akō are the same as they were during the Edo period. Angled kagigata roads were a defense mechanism that prevented enemy soldiers from running at full speed.
View Location on Google MapsMusha Gakushi
Many streets in the castle town of Akō become suddenly narrower or wider. This is due to the defensive construction of musha gakushi, which were hiding spaces for warriors. Over twenty of these hiding spots have been confirmed.
View Location on Google MapsOld Akō Waterworks Service Pipe (Below Bridge)
The supply line of Old Akō Waterworks, which were built in the early years of the Edo period, traveled under the moat of an arched bridge to fill a well under Ote gate, which drew water into the castle grounds. Thanks to modern repairs of the supply lines, the clay pipes under the bridge can supply water without going under the moat.
View Location on Google Maps