Kuroi Castle, Mountain fortress in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Kuroi Castle is a Japanese fortress on Mount Inokuchi in Hyōgo Prefecture. The site spreads across three mountain ridges with stone walls, several baileys and natural defenses that form a complete fortification system.
The fortress was built during the Kenmu period by Akamatsu Sadanori in the 14th century. It fell to Akechi Mitsuhide in 1579 after a battle during the Sengoku period.
Kasuga no Tsubone, who later became an influential political figure in the Tokugawa shogunate, was born at the temple near Kuroi Castle grounds.
A steep hiking trail to the fortress starts at Kasuga Community Center, where maps and castle stamps are available. The climb through mountain terrain requires sturdy footwear and some time.
The architecture shows two approaches: stone walls only on the town-facing side, while other sections rely on natural defenses. This combination reflects a practical adaptation to the terrain.
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