Hiketa Castle, Castle ruins in Higashikagawa, Japan
Hiketa Castle consists of ruins spread across a ridge on Shiroyama hill, where stone walls and foundations stretch approximately 400 meters. The site overlooks Hiketa port and reveals how a fortified medieval settlement was organized on the hilltop.
The castle gained strategic importance during the 1580s when a major daimyo sent a commander to seize it from a rival clan. This shift marked a turning point in regional control during the later feudal period.
This site served as a power center for regional rulers who controlled the port below and the surrounding lands. The layout shows how the elevated position allowed leaders to monitor trade routes and maintain authority over the area.
From Hiketa Station, a 30-minute walk takes you to the ruins on the hillside. The terrain is partially overgrown, so sturdy shoes and steady footing are helpful for exploring the site.
The government designated this site as a National Historic Site in 2020, acknowledging its scholarly value. This official recognition brought renewed attention from historians and those interested in medieval Japanese fortifications.
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