Shirotoridate, Castle ruin in Ōshū, Japan
Shirotoridate is a castle ruin in Ōshū with fortifications, moats, and earthen ramparts positioned at a strategic bend of the Kitakami River. The remains show the layout of a medieval settlement with areas for crafts and residences.
The settlement was founded during the late Heian period by Abe no Noritō as a regional center of power. It was later destroyed during conflict in the region, marking the end of this community's prominence.
The site reveals how people once worked and lived here through objects left behind. Artifacts including beads and pottery suggest connections to the nearby Chuson-ji temple and the broader Hiraizumi region.
The site is located a few kilometers southeast of Maesawa Station and is accessible by local transport. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the ground is uneven and paths cross the ruins.
Archaeological finds from the 2000s show that this place was an important ceramic production center. This craftsmanship linked the settlement economically to the region's cultural hub nearby.
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