Kuroda Castle, Medieval fortress in Owari Province, Japan
Kuroda Castle was a fortress near the Kiso River, positioned strategically between Owari and Mino provinces along the Kamakura Highway. Today the site is located within Kuroda Elementary School in Ichinomiya City, marked by stone monuments and information panels.
Goto Mitsuyasu built the initial structure during the Meio period, and the Yamauchi clan later transformed it into a military stronghold in the 16th century. This transformation made it a significant strategic location in the region.
The site reflects traditional Japanese fortification methods that used natural terrain and created multiple defensive layers typical of feudal-era castles. Visitors can see how the landscape itself became part of the defensive strategy.
The site is accessible, but since it sits on school grounds, it is best to check ahead before visiting. The stone markers and panels can be seen year-round.
This was the birthplace of Yamauchi Kazutoyo, who later became the first daimyo of the Tosa Domain. This connection to a notable samurai-era leader adds historical weight to the site.
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