Ura Castle, Mountain fortress in Akita Prefecture, Japan.
Ura Castle is a mountain fortress in Akita Prefecture built along a narrow ridge, stretching approximately 700 meters across the hilltop. The site preserves its original defensive circles and earthen embankments that once protected the settlement.
The fortress was established during a period of regional conflict between rival clans vying for control. A local lord lost his life there in 1588 during the power struggles that reshaped the region.
The name refers to its location on the back side of a mountain, where the natural landscape itself served as a defense strategy. Visitors can still see how the terrain was used as a protective feature in the layout of the settlement.
The castle is reachable on foot from a nearby train station, though reaching it requires a walk of about an hour. Comfortable walking shoes and time to explore the grounds are recommended since paths cross uneven terrain.
A local preservation group maintains the site with care, having placed handcrafted direction signs and information panels throughout the grounds. These personal efforts give the visit a character shaped by the community's own dedication to remembering the place.
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