Château d'Iwaya, Mountain fortress in Mimasaka Province, Japan
Château d'Iwaya is a mountain fortress built on a peak at approximately 483 meters elevation in present-day Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture. The site features stone walls surrounding three sides along with preserved foundation stones, defensive trenches, and multiple baileys that can be explored.
Yamana Norikyio built the fortress in 1441 as a military stronghold during a period when the region experienced power struggles between rival feudal lords. Its strategic position made it a focal point for armed conflicts between different territorial rivals.
The layout uses natural geographical features such as cliffs and slopes following medieval Japanese defensive principles. This approach shows how early builders incorporated the landscape itself into their defense strategy.
The site is accessible through marked pathways where visitors can explore the preserved structures at their own pace. Sturdy footwear is recommended as the terrain can be steep with uneven surfaces.
The fortress had two water sources: a well and the Ryujin pond, which enabled it to withstand extended sieges. This dual water supply was a clever design choice for maintaining defensive capacity.
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