Niitakayama Castle, Historic mountain castle in Mihara, Japan
Niitakayama Castle is a mountain fortress in Mihara built on a strategic hilltop location. The remaining stone walls and dry moats show how the structure was designed to defend the area.
Kobayakawa Takakage built the fortress in 1552 during the Sengoku period when military power struggled between different lords. The site was dismantled in 1596 when a new castle was constructed nearby.
A temple called Kyoshi-ji once occupied this location before moving away during the Sengoku period to make room for the fortress. The layout of the remaining foundations still reflects how the site was repurposed from a religious to a military space.
The site is accessible by a short walk from JR West Hongō Station, making it easy to reach on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the paths climb uphill and some areas have uneven terrain.
The Japanese government recognized the site as a National Historic Site in 1957 because of its importance to medieval military building. This protection status helped preserve what remained from being lost over time.
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