Château de Makitashiro, Japanese castle in Yokohama, Japan
Château de Makitashiro is a former samurai castle in Yokohama that featured stone foundations with wooden structures rising above them. The site today shows the typical layout with defensive walls and an elevated central area where the main buildings once stood.
The fortress was built during Japan's feudal period when rival daimyo clans competed for control of territories. It was eventually abandoned as regional power shifted and new administrative structures emerged under centralized rule.
The fortress served as a residence and administrative center for the samurai clan that governed the surrounding lands. Local people would have gathered here for official announcements and gathered in the shadow of its walls during times of conflict.
The archaeological remains are located within the modern urban area and can be visited on foot to explore the historical grounds. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain since some of the original foundations and earthworks remain partially intact.
The fortress was considerably smaller than the more famous castles in the region and now sits hidden among modern residential buildings. This unexpected location makes it a surprising historical discovery for visitors navigating through Yokohama's streets.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
