Okuse Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Towada, Japan.
Okuse Castle is a medieval castle ruin in Towada situated on a plateau beside the Katafuchi River. The grounds span roughly 50 meters east to west and 100 meters north to south, forming the former residential and defensive space.
This castle served as the seat of the Okuse clan, one of seven prominent families that followed the Nanbu clan from Kai Province. This connection shaped the settlement's role and importance in the medieval regional structure.
The site shows traces of how residents once lived here, with remains of a well and a space used for training horses. These remnants reveal the daily routines and military activities that took place within the castle grounds.
The site is accessible through marked paths, with information boards and commemorative stones scattered throughout to guide visitors. The best time to explore is during daylight hours when the explanatory plaques are clearly readable.
The grounds offer views toward the Hakkoda mountain range and have been transformed into a public park with numerous cherry trees. This shift from medieval fortress to a place of natural beauty reflects how the site was repurposed over time.
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