Ōno Castle, Mountain fortress in Ōno, Japan
Ōno Castle is a mountain fortress extending roughly 300 meters along the ridgeline of Kameyama Hill, with its main defensive structure positioned at the highest point. Additional protective walls and enclosures step down the slope, creating a tiered defensive system.
The fortress was established after the Battle of Sekigahara in 1601, when Tokugawa Ieyasu granted the entire Echizen province to his second son. This assignment marked the formation of the Fukui Domain and consolidated power following the conflict.
The site demonstrates traditional Japanese fortification methods, with natural stone incorporated into defensive walls arranged across multiple levels of the hillside.
The site is accessible during spring and summer months through several walking paths of varying difficulty levels. Sturdy footwear and water supplies are recommended when exploring the expansive hilltop grounds and multiple fortified levels.
During early morning hours, particularly in November, low-hanging clouds create an effect where the structure appears to hover above the surrounding landscape. This fleeting visual phenomenon is often missed by visitors who do not arrive at dawn.
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