Miyao Castle, Japanese castle in Hatsukaichi, Japan.
Miyao Castle sits atop a hill called Yougai-san roughly 30 meters high in the northwestern part of Itsukushima island near the main shrine. The grounds function today as a public park with two separate staircases providing access up the hillside.
The fortress was built in 1554 by Mōri Motonari as a strategic position during military conflict with Sue Harukata at the Battle of Miyajima. It served as part of a larger campaign to secure control of the region.
The site represents a hillside architectural approach that blends elevated terrain with surrounding plains and sits within Setonaikai National Park. It offers visitors a vantage point to observe the channel between Miyajima and the mainland coast.
The site is straightforward to visit and works well for a simple walk, especially if you want to try both staircases to the top. Plan enough time to climb the hill and take in the views from above.
The fortress was intentionally designed as a temporary structure to serve as bait in a military trick. A substantial workforce completed the project in an exceptionally short timeframe.
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