Kanegasaki Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Tsuruga, Japan
Kanegasaki Castle occupies an 86-meter (282-foot) hill in the northeast of Tsuruga and belongs to Japan's medieval castle sites. Stone foundations and earthen ramparts mark the former defense lines, while paths through wooded terrain lead to the main terraces.
Taira no Michimori built the first fortification here in the 12th century during the Genpei War. The site endured several sieges, including one in 1337 by Ashikaga troops, after which it was modified over centuries and eventually abandoned.
The name reflects an older designation for this region and recalls its strategic importance during medieval times. Visitors walk along the remaining foundations and see how fortress builders used hillside terrain to create defensive advantages.
The ruins sit on a wooded hill and are reached by footpaths that can be steep and slippery in parts. Sturdy footwear helps in wet conditions, and summer heat makes carrying water advisable.
During the 1337 siege, defenders held out for months and resorted to desperate measures to survive before finally surrendering. This resistance was later recorded in medieval chronicles and became an example of endurance in hopeless situations.
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