Takane Castle, Mountain fortress in Tenryū Ward, Japan
Takane Castle is a mountain fortress in Tenryū Ward located at 420 meters elevation on Mount Sankaku, featuring reconstructed gates, turrets, and defensive walls from the Sengoku period. The site preserves the original hilltop layout with paths, trenches, and multiple defensive enclosures arranged across the slopes.
The fortress was built in 1414 by the Okuyama clan to protect Emperor Go-Daigo's grandson, Prince Yukiyoshi, during the era of Northern and Southern Dynasties. It served as a strategic outpost when mountain fortresses like this played key roles in regional military control.
The castle displays architectural features from the Sengoku period, with restored structures based on careful archaeological study and findings from excavations on the site. Visitors can observe how this mountain fortress was designed to protect its inhabitants.
The site can be reached by a 20-minute walk from Mukaichiba Station on the JR Iida Line or by driving about 70 minutes from Hamamatsu area to a nearby exit. Sturdy footwear is recommended since the paths to the summit are steep and trail conditions may change with the seasons.
The fortress preserves its original mountain layout with paths, trenches, and multiple baileys that reveal how medieval Japanese military planners designed defense systems on steep terrain. This intact arrangement lets visitors understand the tactical thinking behind the fortress's structure.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
