Château de Yamada, Medieval castle ruins in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
Yamada Castle is a medieval fortress ruin perched on a limestone ridge in Onna Village, Okinawa Prefecture, positioned about 90 meters above sea level. The site stretches roughly 160 meters from north to south and about 30 meters from east to west, with visible sections of fortification walls and subsurface chambers.
The castle was constructed between the 14th and 15th centuries and served as the residence of a regional leader before being abandoned in 1416. Many of its stones were later repurposed for other fortifications, though sections of the original eastern and western walls remain standing today.
The castle remains contain cave tombs of Gozamaru's ancestors, marked by a commemorative tablet from 1740 that documents their family lineage.
The site sits on a limestone ridge with uneven terrain and some steep sections, so sturdy footwear is important for exploring safely. Visitors should watch their footing carefully, particularly when the ground is wet or after rainfall.
Archaeological digs in the 1980s uncovered Chinese pottery and coins, revealing active trade connections with East Asian merchants and regions. These findings suggest the fort functioned as a hub for regional commerce during its occupation period.
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