Matsuida Castle, Mountain fortress in Annaka, Japan
Matsuida Castle is a mountain fortress in Annaka situated on a ridge between two rivers, occupying an area of roughly 1 square kilometer. The site contains several fortified compounds connected by earthen walls and defensive features that remain visible today.
The castle was originally built by the Annaka clan and passed to the Takeda clan in 1564 during a period of regional power struggles. It eventually fell to Toyotomi forces in 1589, marking the end of its role as an active military stronghold.
The ruins reflect how Japanese feudal lords built multiple defensive zones to control the territory and maintain their power. Walking through the different compounds, you can sense how soldiers would have moved between these fortified areas during daily life.
Access to the ruins is from a bypass entrance where a marked route guides you through the fortifications using ropes and information boards. Wearing sturdy shoes is important since the grounds are uneven and the path winds through forested terrain.
At the entrance, visitors receive cans to make noise and ward off bears that still inhabit the surrounding mountain forests. This simple precaution reflects how nature and history share the same space at this remote hilltop location.
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