Kamakura Castle, Military fortress in Kamakura, Japan
Kamakura Castle is a fortress site in Kamakura with stone foundations and wooden defensive structures positioned across the eastern hillsides. The remains are accessible via marked walking paths and situated near several temples throughout the area.
The fortress was built between 1185 and 1333 as the administrative center of Japan's first military government under Minamoto Yoritomo. It served as a power base during the Kamakura period, a time of major political transformation.
The castle grounds represent the emergence of samurai architecture, incorporating military design principles that influenced subsequent Japanese castle construction methods.
The site is easy to explore with sturdy walking shoes since the paths are well-maintained and pass through varying elevations. The best time to visit is spring or autumn when the weather is mild and visibility remains clear.
The fortress used three natural mountain sides as built-in defense barriers while the fourth side remained open toward Sagami Bay. This layout allowed both military protection and connection to maritime trading routes.
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