Iimoriyama Castle, Mountain castle ruins in Shijōnawate, Japan
Iimoriyama Castle is a mountain fortress ruin in Shijōnawate, Japan, positioned on a summit at 316 meters elevation. The site covers 1200 meters from north to south and 500 meters from east to west with more than 70 recognizable defense areas.
The fortress became a major power center when warlord Miyoshi Nagayoshi relocated his main base here and controlled the Kinki region and Shikoku from this position. This happened around 1560 after he abandoned his earlier position on Mount Akutagawa.
The site takes its name from the large number of horses kept within the castle grounds, which is reflected in its designation. The terrain also shows traces of the Christian community that formed here in the 16th century after the castle lord granted missionaries permission to work.
Hikers reach the ruins via a trail starting from either Shijōnawate Station or Nozaki Station, taking about 50 minutes to the summit. The path goes through forested terrain with some steep sections, so sturdy shoes are recommended.
The site shows early techniques of stone wall construction where vertical stacking of stones reinforced earthen foundations. These methods developed here before the construction of Azuchi Castle and offer insight into the evolution of Japanese fortification techniques.
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