Château d'Isashiro, Mountain fortress in Inuyama, Japan
Château d'Isashiro is a mountain fortress in Inuyama positioned strategically above the Kiso River, which serves as a natural boundary between Aichi and Gifu Prefectures. The main tower stands about 50 feet (15 meters) tall and features multiple wooden levels connected by narrow staircases, with thick stone foundations supporting the entire structure.
The tower was built in the 1580s and ranks among the oldest surviving castle structures in Japan with original construction methods intact. Following the Meiji Restoration in the late 1800s, when most Japanese castles became state-owned, this fortress remained privately owned.
The tower exhibits traditional Japanese defensive architecture with intricate wooden framework and angled walls that create distinct profiles from different viewpoints. This design allowed defenders to monitor surrounding areas effectively and respond quickly to potential threats.
The castle requires climbing multiple narrow staircases to reach the upper floors, so comfortable footwear is recommended for navigating the structure. Visitors can view defensive features and understand how medieval Japanese military forces positioned themselves for protection across the different levels.
This fortress remained privately owned after the Meiji Restoration, while most other Japanese castles became government property and were converted into museums. This unusual path allowed the family to maintain the structure according to their own principles rather than follow standard preservation practices.
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