Haguro Castle, Castle ruin in Inuyama, Japan
Haguro Castle is a castle ruin positioned on a hilltop beside the Kiso River, featuring original wooden structures and stone foundations from the feudal period. The grounds show the layout of former buildings across multiple levels, revealing how the fortress was organized.
The castle was founded in 1201 by Kajiwara Kagechika and served as a strategic stronghold for centuries. It was permanently abandoned during the Edo Period when Japan's military system underwent major changes.
The site houses Kozenji temple, built in 1476, reflecting how religious and defensive spaces intertwined here. Visitors can see how the Kajiwara Clan's influence shaped both the spiritual and military character of this location.
The site is reachable by a short walk from Haguro Station on the Meitetsu Komaki Line, with free access available throughout the day. The grounds remain open year-round without entry restrictions.
Archaeological work in 2012 uncovered well-preserved dry moats, earthen ramparts, and defensive structures that reveal the fortress's full scale. These findings help visitors understand the boundaries of what once stood here.
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