Nakiri Castle, Japanese castle in Shima, Japan.
Nakiri Castle is an Edo-period fortress ruin on a hilltop near the coast of Mie. The remains show foundation stones, moats, and earthwork embankments that once formed an important defensive installation.
The castle was built in the early Edo period and served local daimyo as an administrative center under Tokugawa rule. Its founding was part of the strategic control of this coastal region by central authority.
The ruins show how the castle lords displayed their power through stone and location, controlling views across the sea. This was a message to all ships and villages in the region.
The site is accessible by public transportation and features information panels about its architectural features. The paths are straightforward to walk, though the terrain is hilly.
From the castle, rulers could directly monitor all ships passing along the coast. This proved crucial for controlling trade and communications across the entire region.
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