Shichinohe Castle

Shichinohe Castle is a castle ruin built on a 40-meter hilltop with preserved stone walls and defensive earthworks arranged in seven distinct enclosures. Multiple moats once protected these fortified sections from attack.

The Nanbu clan ruled this defensive fortress until 1591 when they clashed with Toyotomi Hideyoshi forces during the Kunohe Rebellion and lost control. This conflict ended their domination of the site and the region.

A Shinto shrine dedicated to Shimmei now stands on the site of the former main bailey, blending medieval military history with present-day spiritual traditions. Visitors can observe how religious practices have taken root in this once-fortified location.

The site functions as a public park today with a reconstructed wooden gate serving as the main entrance for visitors. Archaeological digs from 1996 uncovered artifacts from the 15th century, adding to your understanding of the location.

In 1858 authorities granted permission to rebuild the castle due to foreign military threats, yet construction never began. The Meiji Restoration period that followed made the project obsolete.