Château de Katanokami, Medieval fortress in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Château de Katanokami is a Japanese castle in Shizuoka Prefecture built with stone walls and wooden structures following traditional feudal-period design principles. The site extends across multiple levels up the hillside with several defensive rings and watchtowers positioned strategically throughout.
The castle was built in the 15th century during the Sengoku period as a defensive stronghold controlling the mountain pass between eastern and western Japan. It played a key role in securing this strategic trade route during the period of warfare.
The castle incorporates elements of Japanese military architecture with multiple rings of defense and strategic watchtowers positioned along the fortification walls.
The climb to the castle follows a network of paths winding up the hillside that reveal different sections of the fortification system at each level. The terrain requires sturdy footwear and moderate fitness since the path becomes steep in places.
The castle's positioning allowed defenders to monitor movements along both the mountain passes and the coastal routes of medieval Japan.
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