Takatenjin Castle, Japanese castle in Kakegawa, Japan
Takatenjin Castle is a fortification in Kakegawa, Shizuoka Prefecture, whose remains spread across two connected mountain peaks. The two main sections link through a narrow ridge along which visitors walk between the former defensive zones.
The site was built from the late 15th century when regional warlords established strongholds to control Totomi province. The fortification changed hands several times during civil wars until it was abandoned in the late 16th century.
The name combines characters for "high" and "heaven god," reflecting the mountaintop position of the fortification. Visitors today find information boards and reconstructed wooden palisades showing how defenders once used earthen embankments and natural slopes to keep attackers at bay.
The trails pass through wooded terrain with inclines and uneven sections, so sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are advisable. Most areas are open and free to access, with signboards marking the route to the main ruins.
The defensive layout follows an unusual zigzag line across the hills, with the eastern section holding the oldest part and inner courtyard. This arrangement gave defenders multiple fallback points and made any assault laborious, as intruders had to overcome the entire jagged path.
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