Yanagawa Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Date, Japan.
Yanagawa Castle is a medieval fortification in Date with stone foundations and earthen embankments spread across hillside levels. The site features reconstructed gardens, water moats, and shrine structures.
The castle was built during the early Kamakura period and served as the Date clan's main seat for around 3 centuries. It was decommissioned in 1644.
The Yanagawa Hachimangu Shrine on the grounds held spiritual importance for the Date clan and remains a place where visitors can observe local religious customs.
The site has parking areas near Yanagawa High School and is about 5 minutes on foot from Yanagawa Kibou-no-Mori Park Station. Wear comfortable shoes since the grounds are hilly.
A massive gateway complex known as a masugata arrangement sits hidden on the grounds among residential buildings today. The preserved water moats reveal how the fortress controlled access to the inner areas.
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