Ito Castle, Mountain fortress in Itoshima, Japan.
Ito Castle is an ancient mountain fortress in Itoshima built with stone foundations and earthen ramparts that stretch across the hilltop. The site contains multiple structures including watchtowers and residential areas that show how the defensive layout functioned.
The fortress was founded around 756 AD and followed military strategies inspired by Tang Dynasty China. It served as an important administrative and defensive post during the early Nara period.
The name reflects its role as an administrative center in ancient times, and visitors can trace the layouts of buildings and pathways that reveal how daily life unfolded here. These remains show how people organized their community in this place.
The Itokoku History Museum nearby displays artifacts and explanations about the structure and life at this site. Visiting the museum first helps you understand what you see on the ground.
The fortress had eight watchtower positions strategically placed around the site to monitor the surrounding area. This network of observation points shows how seriously defenders took their duty.
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