Château de Kataokashiro, Mountain fortress in Kanmaki, Japan
Château de Kataokashiro is a mountain fortress built on a hilltop that includes a main bailey, secondary enclosures, and deep dry moats forming the main defensive system. The layout spreads across the site with multiple fortified zones arranged in a linear pattern.
The fortress was originally controlled by the Kataoka family and fell to Matsunaga Hisahide in 1569. This marked a turning point as the region came under the influence of larger power struggles.
The castle reflects the defensive strategies of its time through its layout of trenches and earthen walls. These structures show how military leaders of the late Sengoku period thought about protecting their territory.
The site sits on a hilltop with clear views of the surrounding landscape and Mount Shigi in the distance. The elevated location and distinct fortified areas make navigation straightforward for visitors walking through the grounds.
The largest moat displays a distinctive box-shaped design with earth walls that narrow toward the base and traces of an ancient earth bridge crossing it. This construction shows the sophisticated engineering methods used to build such defenses.
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