Naegi Castle, Mountain castle ruins in Nakatsugawa, Japan
Naegi Castle is a fortress ruin on Mount Takamori near Nakatsugawa in Gifu Prefecture. The site rises 432 meters above sea level overlooking the Kiso River and incorporates massive natural boulders into its walls.
The fortress was built in 1532 and served as the administrative seat of a small domain until 1600. Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered its capture during his campaigns to unify the realm.
The fortress takes its name from the town of Naegi and served as the power center for local lords over three centuries. Visitors can still observe how natural rock formations were integrated into defensive structures, connecting the site with the river landscape below.
The climb from the nearest stop takes about 30 minutes on a mountain path that becomes steep in sections. Direct bus connections from Nakatsugawa Station run in spring and autumn when weather conditions are favorable.
A small museum beside the ruins displays finds from the domain period, including weapons and everyday objects from the 16th to early 19th century. The collection documents the transition from medieval to modern times in this mountain region.
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