Shōryūji Castle, Medieval fortress in Nagaokakyō, Japan
Shōryūji is a castle site in Nagaokakyō that sits on raised ground, with stone foundation walls and reconstructed wooden buildings still visible. The compound shows typical defensive features of 14th-century Japanese fortifications, including earthworks, moats, and simple building structures now surrounded by green spaces.
Hosokawa Yoriharu built the fortress in 1339 to shield Kyoto from attacks coming from the west. It served as a military outpost until the 16th century and lost importance after the collapse of Hosokawa power.
The name references a nearby temple and reflects the connection between religious and military sites in the region. Visitors today can see the foundation walls and reconstructed wooden buildings, which give a sense of medieval warrior life and show how such compounds fit into the landscape.
The site lies about a ten-minute walk south of Nagaokakyo Station on the JR Kyoto line and is open to visitors during daylight hours. Sturdy footwear is recommended because of uneven paths and stone steps that cross the grounds.
Akechi Mitsuhide spent his last night here before being killed while fleeing after the Battle of Yamazaki in 1582. The fortress sits on the old road to Kyoto, making it an important stopover for troops moving toward the capital.
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