Fukasawa Castle, Japanese castle in Gotemba, Japan
Fukasawa Castle is a Japanese stronghold built on elevated terrain near Gotemba, protected by natural water barriers formed by river systems. The grounds contain multiple preserved structures from different periods, now accessible through the integrated park space.
The castle was founded in the early 1600s as a new regional power center, with construction completed within a few years under skilled leadership. It then served as an administrative hub until later periods of decline.
The castle layout reveals how residents moved through distinct zones for different purposes, with each section designed to serve specific needs. Walking through these areas shows how daily life and defensive operations were physically separated.
The grounds are easy to navigate, with clearly marked paths running through the integrated park space. Wear sturdy shoes as portions involve walking on uneven terrain and sloping ground.
Excavations beneath the castle uncovered remains of an ancient guesthouse used for diplomatic meetings centuries before the castle was built. This discovery reveals that the hilltop held importance for the region well before the fortification was established.
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