Akita Castle Ruins

Akita Castle, also known as "Fort Akita," is the remains of a Nara period fortification located in present-day Akita city. In the 8th century, it was built serve as a base for colonizing the region and subjugating the Emishi tribes by the Yamato court based in Nara. The castle was severely damaged in an earthquake in 830 and destroyed during several rebellions against Yamato rule. However, it was restored after each disaster and remained in use until the mid-Heian period. From the 9th through the 11th centuries, Akita Castle served as the residence of the nominal deputy governor of Dewa Province. However, the castle was abandoned around 1050 during the Former Nine Years War. Archaeological excavations have revealed the foundations of barracks and official buildings for the government of Dewa Province, as well as ceramic roof tiles, wooden tally boards, and documents on varnished paper. Some of the structures of Akita Castle have been reconstructed on their original foundations. The site was declared a National Historic Site in 1939.