Suwahara Castle, Mountain fortress in Shimada, Japan
Suwahara Castle is a mountain fortress on the Makinohara plateau, defined by five crescent-shaped moats and extensive earthwork defenses stretching roughly 1,450 meters across. The site spreads over multiple terraced levels that demonstrate how the defenders built layers of protection into the landscape.
The fortress was built in 1573 by Takeda forces pushing into Tokugawa lands, then fell to Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1575 after a grueling siege lasting months. This shift marked the collapse of Takeda power in the region and the rise of the future shogun.
A shrine dedicated to the Suwa deity stands within the castle grounds, giving the fortress its name and showing how spiritual places were woven into medieval Japanese defenses. Visitors can still sense this blend of worship and fortification as they walk through the site.
The site has free parking and sits a 10-minute walk from JR Kanaya Station or an 11-minute drive from the Shimada-Kanaya Interchange. Comfortable shoes are essential since the grounds are hilly with several steep passages to climb.
Tea fields still grow within the castle grounds today, blending historical ruins with working agriculture. Visitors literally walk through both the ramparts and a functioning tea plantation at the same time.
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