Amazaki Castle, Maritime fortress in Imabari, Japan
Amazaki Castle is a medieval coastal fortress on a small island off the shore of Omishima, within the Seto Inland Sea in Japan. What remains today are stone walls and the outlines of fortified sections that once formed the core of the structure.
The fortress is believed to have been built in the 7th century, making it one of the earliest known maritime defense installations in Japan. Over the following centuries it became a key stronghold for military control of the surrounding region.
The site was the base of the Murakami clan, a sea power that controlled the straits of the Seto Inland Sea from island fortifications. Standing on the remains today, you can see exactly how the position allowed a clear view over the surrounding waters.
The island can only be reached between April and July, when very low tide reveals a sandy path across to it. Checking tide tables before going and wearing sturdy footwear makes the crossing much safer.
The interior of the fortress was divided by heavy stone walls into separate sections, each sealed off from the others. An attacker who broke into one section still had to fight through every remaining section one by one.
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