Matsukura Castle, Mountain castle in Uozu, Japan
Matsukura Castle is a mountain fortress in Uozu built on an L-shaped ridge with a central compound measuring about 100 meters long and 40 meters wide. The ruins sit at around 430 meters elevation and still display the stone foundation walls of this medieval fortification.
The castle was founded in 1335 by the Bōmon clan and changed hands several times over the centuries. It eventually became a key stronghold for the Shiina clan during the Nanboku-chō period in the Etchū region.
The castle represents one of the three principal mountain fortresses of Etchū Province, demonstrating medieval Japanese military architecture and defensive strategies.
The ruins are open year-round without any entrance fee. Exploring the site on foot is the best way to experience the remains, though the climb to the summit requires some physical effort.
In the early Showa era, 111 wild cherry trees were planted on the summit; about 40 survive and the site is listed among Toyama's 70 famous cherry blossom spots. The inner bailey also holds a 1:1000 scale model of the castle terrain and a stone monument inscribed with the castle's name.
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