The name translates to ‘small peak’ castle and it is considered one of the three most important castles in the Tohoku region.
This lovely castle just north of where I live was severely damaged in the March 2011 earthquake. When I last visited in 2012 it was closed and not much sign of activity, but now I can see significant progress.
There was a lot of damage to the main outside walls that seems to mostly have been repaired. If I understood the signs correctly ( 50:50) I think it reopens at the end of March this year. I will get someone who can read Japanese to check for me!
The original castle was built between 1340 – 1346 and expanded significantly in 1628. It was involved in the Boshin war in 1868 and was pretty much destroyed during that time. The only remains for many years were the moat and the parts of the walls. In the 1990’s a reconstruction plan was undertaken and is was restored to its original state.
So the end of March seems to be the re-opening, just in time for Cherry blossoms – so I’m still looking forward to seeing it.
The website is in Japanese (Google translate ) for more info Komine Castle
Just Life in Japan 