Inamura Castle, Hilltop castle ruins in Tateyama, Japan
Inamura Castle is a fortress ruin positioned on Shiroyama Hill with a semicircular design following the ridge line. The site features multiple levels connected by earthen ramparts, dry moats, and footpaths that allow exploration of the former military stronghold's different zones.
The fortress was built by Satomi Yoshizane between 1486 and 1491 to control the approach to Tokyo Bay. It became a key stronghold during a transformative period in Japanese military construction and regional power dynamics.
This site represents how the Satomi clan shaped the region and reflects the military thinking of the period through its physical layout. Visitors can walk through the different sections and understand how the fortress once functioned as a center of power.
The site is best explored on foot using the connected pathways that link the different elevation levels and reveal the layout of the former stronghold. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the terrain is uneven and requires moderate balance.
The inner compound had a trapezoidal shape protected by clay ramparts and surrounded by dry moats, revealing how fortifications were built without stone at that time. This earthen system made the structures effective yet vulnerable to erosion over centuries.
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