Château de Nomishiro, Mountain fortress in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan
Nomishiro Castle sits on a strategic mountain location in Yamanashi Prefecture, combining stone foundations with wooden structures as was typical in Japanese fortification design. The ruins show a multi-level defense system with carefully placed observation points.
The fortress was built during the Sengoku period when regional warlords competed for control and mountain passes held strategic importance. It served to secure trade routes and defend against rival clans.
The castle reflects building methods that were common in this region during the period when local lords competed for control. You can still observe how the layout was designed around protecting a key mountain passage.
The ruins are accessible via a mountain path that requires sturdy hiking footwear and a reasonable level of fitness. Budget about 45 minutes for the climb from the starting point, so plan accordingly.
The stone walls were built using a layered technique that let defenders maintain clear sight lines across the surrounding valleys. This method was less labor-intensive than fully dressed stone, which sped up construction.
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