Château de Nakamura, Mountain fortress in Shimanto, Japan
Nakamura Castle is a fortress on elevated ground above the Shimanto River with white walls inspired by Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture. The structure features multiple towers and traditional defense walls characteristic of Japanese castles from that period.
The castle was built as a strategic post during feudal Japan to control river traffic and monitor the surrounding region. This concept of river control was central to the importance of many fortresses in the area.
The castle grounds incorporate several shrines and temples, reflecting the integration of military structures with religious architecture in Japanese society.
The fortress can be reached about 10 minutes by car or 35 minutes on foot from Nakamura Station on the Tosa Kuroshio Railway. The best time to visit is on clear days when the view of the river and surrounding land is optimal.
From the castle, visitors can observe traditional fishing boats on the Shimanto River passing under several bridges. This scene has remained largely unchanged for decades and offers a glimpse into long-standing fishing practices.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
