Château d'Iinoya, Feudal castle in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Château d'Iinoya is a medieval fortress situated on a hilltop in Shizuoka Prefecture. The remaining stone foundations and earthworks reveal a layout of residential quarters, watchtowers, and defensive barriers arranged in layers up the slope.
The fortress was built during the Sengoku period and served as the seat of power for the Ii clan. It was later demolished under Tokugawa policy, which limited each regional lord to a single castle.
The castle grounds show how warriors and officials lived side by side in designated spaces that reveal their roles and status. Walking through, you notice how each area was shaped for specific daily functions.
The site is best explored on foot, with the climb to the hilltop taking about 30 minutes and requiring sturdy shoes. Visiting during drier months is advisable, as the path becomes slippery after rain.
The site retained its original earthen mounds and stone foundations relatively unchanged over centuries, offering rare views into medieval fortification methods. This type of archaeological evidence is valuable since many other castles were heavily restored or rebuilt.
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