Kagomiri Castle, Medieval fortress in Ehime, Japan
Kagomiri Castle is a hilltop fortress in Ehime Prefecture with stone walls and wooden structures spread across multiple levels following a traditional Japanese layout. The site includes several fortified enclosures arranged to control movement and defend key positions.
The castle was built during the Sengoku period as a defensive outpost for regional lords controlling surrounding lands. It lost military importance as political changes reshaped the region over the following centuries.
The castle architecture incorporates traditional Japanese building techniques, with separate baileys and defensive positions reflecting medieval military engineering.
You reach the site by hiking on marked trails that climb toward the upper levels with several viewpoints along the way. The paths vary in steepness, so bring proper footwear and water for the climb.
The stone walls were constructed from large rocks fitted together so precisely without mortar that they remain stable today. This building method reveals the skilled craftsmanship of medieval castle builders in Japan.
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