Database: Life in a Castle Town

In the 14th and 15th centuries, lords resided in plain or valley residences, which were lightly constructed, barely fortified and often built near a castle established on a higher ground that served as a refuge for both warriors and local populations. However, in the 16th century, with the continuous wars, lords began to build small fortresses equipped with defenses and garrisons. These fortresses or castles took on a new architectural form at the end of the 16th century with the addition of a main donjon, while towns began to develop at the foot of these castles.

In a castle of this design, there can be up to three concentric enclosures. Beyond the entrance gate there is a courtyard where artisans work and warriors train. Past the last enclosure, there is the lord's quarter. The largest rooms are the audience halls (kaisho) where the lord receives his guests and holds council. The lord also had private apartments, often coupled with gardens and tea pavilions. The castle's treasures are locked in earthen rooms (kura) to resist both looters and fire. Often erected as a symbol of power, the castle was converted into an economic and political center by the very end of the 16th century.

By requiring their vassals to settle at the foot of their new castle at the end of the 16th century, the daimyō created a concentration of wealthy individuals who, in turn, attracted artisans and merchants. This gave birth to a jōkamachi, a castle town. Thus, the residences of warriors were built under the castle, giving rise to samurai quarters, and further away, quarters for merchants and artisans. The castle, with its verticality, became a symbol of lordly power, while the town became a regional economic center from the very end of the 16th century.