Château de Shinohara, Medieval Japanese castle in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan.
Shinohara Castle is a fortified site in Kanagawa set on a hillside and defined by stone walls and watchtowers. The building remains show how medieval fortifications in Japan were constructed, with stone foundations and wooden structures visible throughout the grounds.
The castle arose during a period when rival warriors fought for control of the Kanto region and fortified their territorial boundaries. The stronghold was eventually abandoned as political circumstances shifted and new centers of power emerged.
The castle reflects building practices that shaped samurai communities and shows how fortifications in this region were designed for defense. Walking through the ruins, you can sense what role such structures played in the daily lives of those who inhabited them.
The site is best reached on foot, with a moderate uphill walk required to reach the ruins. Sturdy footwear is advisable, as the ground is uneven and paths remain natural and unpaved.
Traces of everyday life remain visible at the ruins, such as tool fragments and pottery shards that reveal details about the inhabitants. These finds help visitors picture how people actually lived and worked at this location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.