Château de Katahirashiro

Château de Katahirashiro is a Japanese castle in Fukushima built with multiple defensive layers including wooden towers, stone walls, and surrounding moats. The grounds are organized to create several rings of protection around the central structures.

The castle was built during the Sengoku period when regional lords constructed military strongholds to control their territories. It served as a strategic fortification to secure trade routes and maintain power in the region.

The castle layout shows how Japanese fortifications organized different functions in separate areas based on social rank. Military command, administrative work, and living spaces were each given their own zone.

The grounds feature multiple guard towers positioned at key defensive points throughout the site. Visitors should allow time to explore the different zones, as the layout spreads across several levels and sections.

The castle demonstrates how Japanese fortifications evolved from simple wooden structures to more complex stone-based systems with integrated administrative functions. This transformation shows how military strongholds gradually became centers for civilian governance and daily operations.

GPS coordinates: 37.42056,140.30028

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:04