Shiwa Castle, Ancient fortress ruins in Morioka, Japan
Shiwa Castle is a fortress site in Morioka with reconstructed gates, earthen walls, and multiple moats arranged in geometric patterns. The complex includes restored wooden buildings, including a central hall and administrative structures from the 9th century.
The fortress was established in 803 as the northernmost outpost of Mutsu Province under General Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. It served as a crucial military base in the border region between the Japanese realm and the northern territories.
The site displays structures from the early Heian Period that show how administrators and soldiers lived and worked at this frontier post. These buildings reveal what daily life looked like for people stationed far from the imperial center.
The site is best reached by public transport, with several bus lines from Morioka Station serving the area. The paths are well-paved and the complex is easy to explore on foot, though having a map beforehand helps you understand the layout.
The main southern gate was carefully reconstructed to show the original building techniques from the time of its founding. This reconstruction lets visitors see how imposing and formidable the structures must have seemed to travelers approaching the frontier.
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