Takiyama Castle, Hill castle in Takatsukimachi, Japan
Takiyama Castle is a hill fortification in Takatsukimachi, Japan, positioned on a military ridge where the Tama and Aki Rivers meet from the south. The site sits at an elevation of 160 meters and spreads across multiple terraces separated by earthen walls and defensive ditches.
Construction of the fortress began in 1521 under Oishi Sadashige during the Sengoku period, when rival feudal lords fought for control of the Kanto region. The site served several generations as a strategic stronghold until it lost its military purpose with the unification of Japan in the late 16th century.
The castle takes its name from Mount Takiyama and once served as a control point over the Tama River valley, where local warriors monitored the movement of armies and supplies. Visitors today can still see the distinctive arrangement of earthen ramparts that shows how medieval builders integrated the natural landscape into their defensive strategy.
A maintained hiking trail leads visitors through the entire ruin site, with signs explaining the original function of each defensive structure along the way. The climb takes about 40 minutes and requires sturdy footwear, as some sections pass over uneven steps and narrow paths.
An augmented reality app launched in June 2016 allows visitors to see the castle as it appeared roughly 450 years ago by overlaying digital reconstructions onto the present ruins. The application shows not only buildings but also the movements of guards and daily life of castle residents in their original setting.
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