Located at the eastern foot of Mts. Chausu and Teusu on a 20,600 square meter site are
the remains of the Nobukatsu Hikobekagamori mansion. Dating from Japan's Middle Ages, the
building is 130 meters from east to west with a 120 meter half wall running south-north on
the west side. A mud wall and moat protect the structure to the south, north and east.
In the north-east corner are the remains of a watchtower and nearby is the rear
emergency exit. On the south side is a tenement house gate and, in the north-west corner,
a small shrine. Nobukatsu, a permanent resident of Tohoku, came to Kiryuu in war time as a
follower of Zenji kondoh to become a respected leader of the people.
Later he served Narishige Yura of Kanayama. His residence was designated a prefectural
historical site in 1976 and an important national cultural asset in August, 1992. The old
document 'Nitayamatubugi-Tyumonsyo', preserved by Hikobe, is an important cultural asset
of the city.
Five newer structures share the same site as the mansion ruins. One of the most
eminent private homes in eastern Japan, the main building was constructed in early Edo,
the tenement house gate in the middle of the period and the seniors' residence, library
and granary in late Edo. |
