Oka Castle, Hill castle in Taketa, Japan
Oka Castle is a hill fortress in Taketa sitting atop Mount Tengen at 325 meters (about 1,066 feet) elevation. The site consists of several defensive levels with stone foundations arranged along the cliff faces and connected by narrow pathways.
The fortress was founded in the 12th century by Ogata no Saburo Koreyoshi and remained under Shiga family control for several generations. During the Edo period it served as the administrative center of the local domain until the government dissolved it after the Meiji Restoration.
The name comes from an old word for hill, referring to its position on the steep summit plateau. Visitors today see the traditional stonework with stacked walls held without mortar, showing the craftsmanship of the Edo period.
The climb follows a steep path with steps that becomes slippery in wet weather and requires sturdy footwear. On clear days the upper area opens views over the surrounding valleys and mountains of the region.
An earthquake in 2024 shifted parts of the western walls and made repair work necessary that visitors can sometimes observe from a safe distance. The damage shows how sensitive the centuries-old stone structures react to ground movement.
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