Uramon Yagura

Uramon Yagura was the tower built to protect the (weaker) back side of Hiji Castle. The Hiji Domain submitted an illustration of Hiji Castle, Bungo Province to the Edo Shogunate (Shoho-shiro-ezu Drawing). Measuring about 5.4m by 3.6m, Uramon Yagura and Hira Yagura are drawn on this illustration. With the abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures in 1871, the Hiji Domain was abolished and the castle tower and turrets were sold at auction and demolished, one after the other. Uramon Yagura was purchased by the Tokunaga family, who dismantled and reconstructed it on their family property inside the outer citadel. After the Hiji Board of Education received it in 2000, it was taken apart and preserved. From June of 2009 to March of the following year, reconstruction was carried out. Uramon Yagura is an important cultural asset that can teach us about Hiji Castle in the Edo Era. Exhibits are also shown on an irregular basis inside the turret.