七沢城, Castle ruin in Atsugi, Japan
Nanasawa Castle is a castle ruin located on Mount Shiroyama near Atsugi, where stone walls and moat foundations can still be seen today. The remaining structures offer insight into medieval fortification design and provide views across the surrounding Kanagawa Prefecture.
Otagaki Mitsukage built this fortress in 1441 as a strategic outpost for the Yamana clan during their regional conflicts. Toyotomi Hideyoshi seized it in 1577 as part of his campaign to unify Japan, after which the site gradually fell into abandonment.
The castle reflects medieval mountain fortification design through its remaining stone structures, which visitors can examine to understand how such outposts were built and defended.
The site is accessible by train to Atsugi Station, from where marked hiking trails lead up the mountain to the ruins. The walk takes about an hour, so comfortable hiking shoes and basic fitness are helpful for the climb.
During autumn and early winter mornings, thick fog rolls across the hilltop and creates a striking visual effect where stone structures gradually emerge through the mist. This natural occurrence transforms the ruins into a dramatic setting that visitors often remember.
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