Nanao Castle

Nanao Castle is a hill castle ruin in Nanao, Japan, spread across several connected ridges. The remains include stone walls, terraces, and earthworks that show how the site used terrain for defense.

The fortress was established in the early 15th century as a center of control over the Noto region. It fell in 1577 after a long siege and was abandoned afterward.

The name comes from the seven ridges where the fortress was built, each ridge carrying its own designation. Today visitors walk the paths once used by soldiers and messengers moving between different defensive sections.

The walk from the bus stop to the summit takes about an hour and follows uneven forest paths. Sturdy shoes are recommended as the trails can become slippery when wet.

From the summit you can see Nanao Bay and the surrounding peninsula, which once helped watchers spot ships from a distance. This line of sight to the sea made the position militarily valuable.

Location: Nanao

Inception: 1408

Founders: Hatakeyama Mitsunori

Part of: 100 Fine Castles of Japan

Website: https://city.nanao.lg.jp/sportsbunka/nanaojoushi.html

GPS coordinates: 37.00904,136.98392

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:05