400-year-old historic Japanese castle to be moved for reconstruction of base

The Hirosaki Castle

The Hirosaki Castle , built in 1611 will be carried and moved about 230 feet away from its current location so as to allow a reconstruction of the stone walls beneath it. The castle was the seat of the Tsugaru clan, a 47,000 koku tozama daimyō clan who ruled over Hirosaki Domain, Mutsu Province, in what is now central Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
The 400 tons castle would first be lifted off the ground with hydraulic jacks before being transported to its temporary location. The city decided to relocate the castle in its complete form since the building is recognized by the government as part of the nation’s cultural heritage, the official said. Reconstruction of the stone walls is to begin next year. After the stone walls are complete, the castle will be moved back to its original location. The entire procedure is scheduled to end sometime around 2021, the official said