Nagashima Castle, Medieval fortress in Kuwana, Japan
Nagashima Castle is a medieval fortress at the mouth of the Nagara River in Kuwana, featuring stone walls, moats, and several preserved gates. The remains still show the original layout of the castle complex built across different periods.
The fortress was founded in 1245 by Regent Kujo Michiie and initially served as a fortified manor. By 1482 it was transformed into a military stronghold to control the region.
The name comes from its position on an island in the river, where the fortress once served as a regional administrative hub. Today the remains stand as a reminder of the site's importance to the local community.
The castle ruins are easily reached on foot from either Nagashima Station or Kintetsu-Nagashima Station, both just a short walk away. Morning visits work best for better lighting and fewer crowds.
A black pine tree over 300 years old marks the southwest corner of the main enclosure and is recognized as a Natural Monument of Kuwana City. This tree has witnessed multiple epochs of the castle's history.
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