Text by: Little Traveler
Have you ever seen a moving castle? I have—I really have—but even through the screen, I could feel the dedication and care of the Japanese people in preserving their national historical and cultural heritage.
It all started because Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, was originally built on stone walls. However, parts of the outer stone walls had aged and posed a risk of collapse, threatening the structure. To protect the castle, an ancient method called “hikiya” (pulling buildings) was used to lift the 400-ton main keep in its entirety.
Workers first installed hydraulic jacks under the keep, lifting it 6 cm before using rail-mounted dollies to move it—covering a total distance of 77.62 meters. It may sound simple and not very far, but in reality, it felt like the world’s longest journey. It took eight months to move Hirosaki Castle step by step to its new location. On the final day, 3,900 people were mobilized, attracting 30,000 spectators who came to witness this historic moment. According to the restoration plan, the main keep is expected to be moved back to its original position in 2021. If you want to see it with your own eyes, stay tuned for updates.
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