Hachioji Castle

How Could a Castle Fall In A Single Day?

In samurai history, very few castles have fallen to the enemy in a single days’ battle.

Most Japanese castles were brought down through prolonged siege, depriving the defenders of food and water. Some were brought down through treachery from within, the traitors either opening the gates to allow the enemy in, or through arson, burning the castle, forcing the defenders out. Others were flooded, while others were partially buried. Some even surrendered through political maneuvering.