Nagahama Castle, Castle ruin from Sengoku period in Numazu, Japan
Nagahama Castle is a Sengoku-period ruin sitting on a hill about 30 meters (100 feet) high overlooking Suruga Bay. The fortified area spans roughly 100 meters (330 feet) with stone walls and layered defensive platforms still visible today.
The Late Hojo clan built this fortification during the 1570s as a military post during territorial struggles with the Takeda clan. The structure represents one of many strongholds constructed during that competitive period between regional powers.
The castle layout reflects typical Japanese defensive thinking, with paths designed to wind through multiple gates before reaching the inner fortress area. You can still trace these intentional twists and turns as you walk up the slope today.
This site is best explored during daylight hours, as the paths are steep and the ground uneven in places. Sturdy shoes are important for safely navigating the slope up to the summit.
The hilltop location allowed monitoring of Uchiura anchorage and served as a naval observation point during regional conflicts. This dual function as both a land fortress and sea-defense station made it strategically valuable.
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