Mushanokoji

 The area where Nobunaga's residence at Mushanokoji in Kyoto.

The Chronicle of Lord Nobunaga (pp. 168-70) Construction began in 1572.

"On the 12th of the Third Month he went directly to Kyoto and took up lodgings in the Myokakuji at Nijo. It was brought to the shogun's attention that since Lord Nobunaga came to the capital so often, it would raise questions if he did not have his own place to stay, and that a vacant lot formerly occupied by a rectory was available at Mushanokoji in Upper Kyoto. So it was proposed that a residence for Nobunaga be built there. The shogun decided that this idea suited him very well, and it was arranged that, acting in his capacity as the public authority, he would issue orders for construction to begin. Nobunaga declined politely several times, but in the end he complied in view of His Lordship's importance insistence. Nobunaga's life guards from the provinces of Owari, Mino, and Omi were exempted from construction duties and did not participate. But with everybody who was anybody in the Home Provinces present in the capital.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held on the 24th of the Third Month. Nobunaga first of all had a roofed mid wall built. At each section of the work site, he set up a decorated stage on which boys and youths in all kinds of gorgeous costumes played flutes, stick drums, and hand drums, cheering on those charged with the work, and a good time was had by all. Even under ordinary circumstances people in the capital city are always forming crowds, so from the beginning to the end of the construction work, onlookers high and low, adorned with flowers, stood sleeve by sleeve at the site. The fragrance of their clothes purified the surroundings and perfumed the air. All sorts and every kind of splendid attire could be seen. The realm was at peace, and life was enjoyable again.

Nobunaga appointed Murai Minbu and Shimada Tokoro no Suke as commisssers of works and Ikegami Goroemon as head carpenter."

Nobunaga no tame!