Yuzawa Castle, Mountain castle ruins in Yuzawa, Japan.
Yuzawa Castle is a mountain fortress ruin in the Yuzawa area with stone foundations and wall segments spread across elevated terrain. These structures formed concentric defensive rings that protected the central keep during feudal times.
Onodera Michisada built this fortress in 1277 to defend the southern Ogachi district from potential invasions. During the Mogami invasion of 1593, the castle endured a ten-day siege until attacking forces became too exhausted to take it.
The fortress exemplifies the military architecture of feudal Japan, with strategic placement that allowed defenders to monitor approaching forces from all directions.
Visitors access the site through a marked hiking trail from Yukawa Station, taking about 15 minutes to reach the ruins. The terrain is hilly and uneven, so sturdy footwear and basic fitness are helpful for the walk.
During the Mogami invasion of 1593, the castle withstood a ten-day siege when attacking forces became too exhausted to capture the fortification.
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