Chihaya Castle

The castle extends across multiple terraces along a mountain ridge, with steep cliffs and rivers forming natural defenses on both sides of the structure.

Kusunoki Masashige constructed this castle in 1332 as part of his resistance against the Kamakura shogunate, using it to withstand numerous sieges.

The castle grounds include a Shinto shrine dedicated to Kusunoki Masashige, commemorating his role in Japanese military history during the Kamakura period.

Visitors need to climb 500 stairs to reach the castle ruins, which are protected as a National Historic Site and open for public exploration.

The castle defenders used straw figures dressed in armor to deceive attacking forces, demonstrating innovative military tactics of medieval Japan.

Location: Chihayaakasaka

Inception: 1332

Founders: Kusunoki Masashige

Fee: No

Made from material: wood

Part of: Seven Castles of Kusunoki, 100 Fine Castles of Japan

Phone: +81721720081

Website: http://chihayaakasaka.org/spot/castle.html

GPS coordinates: 34.41723,135.65120

Latest update: May 27, 2025 06:45