Oshi Castle used to be one of the seven main strongholds of the Kanto region and thus was highly historically significant. The construction of the castle was complete by Narita Akiyasu around 1479. During the Sengoku period Oshi Castle was constantly involved in political upheaval and battles though its strategic location in the midst of marshes and swamplands made it almost impossible to conquer – that is why the castle was dubbed “The Floating Castle.”
In 1590, a feudal lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi sent his 23,000-strong army to seize the Oshi Castle. There were only 619 samurai and 2,000 local conscripts in Oshi to confront the enemies. They successfully defended the castle against multiple attacks and surrended only after the news of their lords defeat reached the fortress. Now the re-enactments of the famous siege are performed at Oshi Castle.
Gyoda City is only 85 km northwest of Tokyo. It makes for an easy day trip from Tokyo either by train (Joetsu Shinkansen, JR Takasaki Line, or JR Shonan Shinjuku Line) or by car via Tohoku Expressway or Kan-Etsu Expressway.
See Real Samurai Combat Their Enemies at Oshi Castle
News in Asia
A historical Oshi Castle, located in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, has now become the scene of samurai re-enactments. It gives the visitors an immersive experience of the Siege of Oshi in 1590.