Shimo-Akasaka Castle

Shimo-Akasaka Castle stands on Mount Kabutori at 185 meters elevation, featuring strategic defensive positions and multiple fortified enclosures along its ridgeline.

Built in 1331 during the Genko War, the castle served as a key stronghold for Kusunoki Masashige in his support of Emperor Go-Daigo against the Kamakura shogunate.

The castle represents a significant example of Japanese medieval military architecture, incorporating natural terrain features and innovative defensive techniques of the Kamakura period.

The main enclosure of the former castle now contains the Chihayaakasaka Village Hall, with a commemorative monument located at the adjacent junior high school grounds.

The fortress formed part of the Seven Castles of Kusunoki network, utilizing a system of movable bridges and coordinated defenses with nearby Kami-Akasaka Castle.

Location: Chihayaakasaka

Part of: Seven Castles of Kusunoki, Akasaka Castle

GPS coordinates: 34.45972,135.61861

Latest update: March 3, 2025 07:26