茂木城, Mountain castle ruins in Tochigi, Japan
Motegi Castle consists of stone foundations on a mountain ridge with multiple defensive walls spread across different terrain levels. The remains scatter across the slopes and show the spatial structure typical of a medieval mountain fortress.
Built during the Sengoku period in the 15th century, it served as a strategic military installation controlling the northern territories of the Kanto region. After power consolidated, the fortress was abandoned and never rebuilt.
The layout follows traditional Japanese fortification principles, using natural terrain and multiple levels of defense connected through narrow passages. Walking through the ruins shows how the builders made clever use of the steep slopes to protect the site.
Marked hiking trails through forested paths lead to the ruins and the main archaeological areas. Good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness help since the terrain is steep and uneven in places.
Stone walls here reach over 7 meters in height, showing advanced construction techniques from medieval Japan. Despite its strategic importance, the site remains quiet and less crowded than other historical places in the region.
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