Tonokōri Castle, Japanese castle ruins in Saito, Japan.
Tonokōri Castle is a ruined fortress located on an elevated plateau above the Sanzai River with multiple enclosures linked by earthen fortifications. The site contains extensive moats and ramparts that once protected the entire stronghold from attack.
The castle was established in 1335 when a powerful clan received the territory and made it their main base of operations. It served this role for more than two centuries before falling from importance in the mid-1500s.
The castle served as a symbol of Itō clan authority and control over the region for generations. Its location on the elevated plateau made it a focal point for local activities and governance in medieval times.
The ruins are accessible on foot and open for daytime visits, with sturdy footwear recommended due to the uneven terrain. Visitors should allow enough time to explore the various sections since the entire site spreads across multiple areas.
The castle was part of a larger network of interconnected defensive sites spread across the region with smaller outposts on surrounding hilltops. This distributed system reveals how multiple fortifications worked together as a coordinated defense strategy.
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