Yarazamori Castle, Gusuku fortress in Naha, Japan.
Yarazamori Castle was a fortification at the southern entrance of Kokuba River with limestone walls and multiple defensive positions overlooking Naha Port. This fortress was part of a dual protection system that worked together with another fort to control the waterways.
King Sho Sei ordered its construction in 1546 to protect Naha Port from pirates and maritime threats. The fortress was built in response to growing naval dangers affecting trade routes in the region.
The fortress displays typical Ryukyuan building methods using local limestone, which reflects the craftsmanship traditions of the kingdom. Visitors can still observe how the stonework adapts to the hillside and landscape.
The site sits on the riverbank with views toward the old harbor and the fortress across the water. Visit on clear weather days when you can see across the landscape and appreciate the defensive positions and sightlines.
The fortress was equipped with cannons measuring around 7-9 cm across and combined with pikes and hand cannons for close defense. This made it the more heavily armed of the two harbor fortifications and showed advanced military capability for its time.
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