Château d'Abeshiro

Abe Castle is a mountain fortress in Shizuoka situated at approximately 435 meters elevation on a peak that overlooks the Abe River valley. The ruins consist of stone walls and dry moats positioned along the mountain ridge to form the defensive structure.

The castle was built and controlled by the Kano clan during the Northern and Southern Courts period of medieval Japan. The clan defended the fortress against repeated attacks from the Imagawa clan, demonstrating its importance in regional power dynamics.

The castle ruins showcase the defensive architecture of medieval Japan through its remaining baileys and dry moats positioned along the mountain ridges.

The climb to the fortress starts from either Jibiozenen Temple or Hatori Dokeiin Temple, taking roughly ninety minutes to reach the peak. The path becomes steeper and narrower as you ascend, so sturdy footwear and good balance are essential.

From the main buildings, Mount Fuji is visible on clear days, rising in the distance and dominating the landscape. During the medieval period, smaller outposts like Kusumi Fort protected the surrounding region and formed a network of defensive positions.