Okishio Castle, Mountain fortress in Himeji, Japan.
Okishio Castle is a mountain fortress in Himeji with stone walls and fortifications spread across multiple levels on a hilltop, displaying Japanese military architecture from the 15th century. The site consists of several baileys, each with its own defensive structures and foundations.
Akamatsu Masanori built this fortress in 1469 as a major stronghold to control the Harima, Bizen, and Mimasaka provinces. Its importance shifted when materials and strategic focus moved to the construction of nearby Himeji Castle in later generations.
Parts of this fortress were repurposed during the construction of Himeji Castle, with the main gate relocated to become the 'To' gate at the newer site. This material reuse shows how resources were transferred between strongholds in the region.
The grounds have marked hiking trails leading to the main bailey, with free parking at the trailhead for visitors making the climb. The walk to the summit takes about 40 minutes and suits people with average fitness levels.
Scattered roof tiles and pottery fragments in the second and third baileys provide physical evidence of former structures that once occupied the site. These remnants help visitors understand how densely built the different levels once were.
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