The New Winds

The Governor’s Estate
Central to the Governor’s Quarter, the governor’s estate is a sprawl of buildings enclosed in a walled compound on the highest piece of ground in Hirosaka. The largest and most central of the buildings—the four-story governor’s yashiki, or mansion—offers a commanding view of the town and its surroundings. The yashiki is one of the very few buildings in Hirosaka constructed largely of stone; only its upper two floors are predominantly wood. In times of strife, the governor’s estate, and particularly the yashiki, are intended to function like the inner fortifications of a castle, providing a final place of refuge and defense should the rest of the town fall. In practice, however, the wall surrounding the estate would offer little protection against a determined foe. Rather, it is mainly intended to keep out unwanted intruders and to clearly demarcate the estate’s borders. The stone bulk of the yashiki is more formidable and likely could hold off any attacking force not prepared to lay siege for a long time. However, although it is one of the largest buildings in the town, the yashiki can comfortably house no more than a few dozen people, with room for perhaps one hundred in a crisis.

In any case, defense is only a secondary role for the yashiki. It is primarily the governor’s home, containing apartments for them and their family. It also houses the governor’s most senior retainers. Much of the main floor is taken up by a large audience chamber, where the governor holds court (generally only when important samurai are in attendance; otherwise, the municipal court is used). The governor also greets visitors and hosts social gatherings and formal dinners there. To that end, the yashiki is relatively ornate and luxurious; in fact, appearance generally trumps utility and defense.

The remaining buildings in the compound consist of storehouses, servants’ quarters, a small barracks for the governor’s personal guard, and stables. For the use of important visitors, there is a well-appointed guesthouse, separated from the yashiki by a small but sumptuous garden that also encloses a bathhouse and a chashitsu, or teahouse.

Entry into the governor’s estate is strictly controlled. Even when the governor’s court is in session, only those with legitimate business are admitted. The governor’s personal guard, a small but well-equipped and highly trained cadre of samurai and trusted ashigaru auxiliaries, staff the two gates to the estate at all times and conducts regular patrols. The overall operation of the estate is overseen by the governor’s chamberlain, who has an office and apartments in the yashiki.