Murakami Castle, Mountain fortress in Murakami, Japan.
Murakami Castle is a mountain fortress built along Mount Gagyu's ridge, combining stone ramparts with wooden structures positioned at different elevations. From its high points, the site overlooks the Miomote River valley and the expansive Echigo Plain beyond.
The fortress was founded in the early 1500s by the Honjo clan and underwent several reconstructions as power shifted in the region. A major fire in 1667 destroyed large sections, ending its time as an active military stronghold.
The samurai residences scattered across the grounds show how warrior families organized their homes during feudal times. Walking among these houses gives you a sense of how space reflected social rank and family importance.
You can walk to the castle grounds in about half an hour from Murakami Station on the Uetsu Line. The site is open year-round, though the steep paths and elevation changes mean sturdy shoes and a comfortable pace are helpful.
The site was once one of the largest and most important castles in the entire Echigo region when it was fully active. This scale becomes apparent as you explore the multiple levels where buildings, fortifications, and residences were spread across the mountain.
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