Château de la mine d'argent de Sato, Ruined Japanese castle in Hiroshima, Japan
Sato Silver Mine Castle is a ruined Japanese fortress on Mount Takeda at approximately 410 meters elevation near Hiroshima. The site consists of over 50 terraced fortification rings and stone walls arranged along the mountain ridge.
The fortress was built by the Takeda clan in the late Kamakura period to control the region. It fell in 1541 to Mori Motonari's forces during territorial expansion campaigns.
The ruins carry the name of the silver mining that shaped the region, showing how closely the fortress was tied to local resources and economy. Today, hiking paths and markers help visitors trace this historical link between mining and defense.
The fortress is reachable by hiking trails that start near Hiroshima Economic University and lead up the mountain. A small parking area with space for about 10 vehicles is available at the trailhead.
Local legend tells of the Takeda clan burying a pure gold tea kettle in a mountain cave and marking its location with a planted mahonia tree. This story connects the ruins to hidden treasures that may still lie in the surrounding mountains.
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