Hiji Castle, Japanese castle in Hiji, Japan
Hiji Castle is a Japanese fortification on a coastal hilltop with well-preserved stone walls forming the main bailey. A pentagon-shaped watchtower anchors the northeastern corner of the fortress, defining the layout of this hilltop stronghold.
Construction of the fortress began in 1601 under Kinoshita Nobutoshi, who received architectural guidance from his brother-in-law Hosokawa Tadaoki. This partnership shaped the design and strategic importance of the stronghold within the region.
The castle grounds feature the Chidokan, a former domain school founded in 1858 by the fifteenth lord of Hiji domain to educate samurai children in classical subjects. Young samurai studied writing, reading, and martial arts within its traditional halls.
The site sits about ten minutes on foot from JR Hinodegoe Station and offers free parking for visitors arriving by car. Sturdy footwear is recommended since pathways on the hillside can be uneven and sloped.
The five-sided Kimon watchtower was specifically designed to ward off malevolent spirits believed to approach from the northeastern direction according to Japanese tradition. Visitors can spot this intentional design choice when examining how the tower's unusual shape fits into the overall fortress layout.
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