Minagawa Castle, Japanese castle in Tochigi Prefecture, Japan
Minagawa Castle is a hilltop fortress in Tochigi Prefecture featuring concentric baileys, rectangular moats, and defensive trenches distributed across the grounds. The structures spread over the slope in separate levels that created layers of protection around the central buildings.
The Minagawa family built this fortress during the Eikyo Rebellion around 1438 as a regional power center. The castle fell to Hideyoshi in 1590 during his wars to unify Japan.
The layout of the fortifications shows how medieval warriors wanted to use the mountain to slow down attacking armies. The offset gates forced intruders to move in zigzag paths through multiple defensive positions.
The grounds can be explored on foot, with paths leading through former residential areas and into wooded sections of the mountain. Visitors should wear good shoes and allow time, as exploring the multiple levels can be tiring.
Within the grounds, the foundations of old samurai residences remain visible and show the daily lives of the warriors who lived there. These remnants offer a rare view into the private spaces of a medieval military community.
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