Kogane Castle, Japanese castle in Ōyaguchi, Japan
Kogane Castle is a Japanese fortress built on a 20-meter hill near Matsudo, featuring twelve interconnected defensive enclosures that formed its core structure. The layout shows how castles of this period protected their inhabitants through multiple concentric rings of fortifications.
Built in 1537 by the prominent samurai Takagi Tanekichi, the castle became the largest military stronghold in northwestern Shimōsa Province. It later sheltered Ashikaga Yoshiuji, a displaced ruler, during the political upheavals of the 1560s.
The castle served as a refuge for displaced rulers fleeing political turmoil, reflecting the power struggles that shaped the region during the 1500s and 1600s. Today, the remains tell the story of how local samurai families controlled this part of Japan.
The ruins are easily accessible on foot from nearby train stations, making it convenient to reach without a car. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as exploring the site involves navigating the hilltop and uneven terrain.
Excavations at the site uncovered gun ammunition alongside pottery from major Japanese kiln centers, providing clues about daily life and trade. Imported Chinese ceramics found here reveal that this rural fortress was connected to long-distance trade routes far beyond its borders.
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