Château de Motoki Yamashiro, Mountain fortress in Kawasaki, Japan
The Château de Motoki Yamashiro is a medieval castle perched on a strategic hill near Mount Fuji. The site contains stone walls and wooden structures scattered across the summit in varying states of preservation.
The fortress was built during the 15th century Warring States period as a defensive outpost. It served to monitor traffic along regional trade routes passing through the area.
The site reveals how warriors adapted building techniques to the local environment using natural materials. You can see how stone, earth, and timber were combined to create effective defensive structures.
Access to the ruins is via a marked hiking trail that starts at the base of the mountain. The ascent takes about 40 minutes and covers steep terrain, so sturdy footwear and water are essential.
The mountainside contains carved storage chambers that reveal how military supplies were organized during wartime. These underground rooms offer rare insights into early military logistics.
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