Oshi Castle, Japanese castle in Gyoda, Japan
The tower rises from flat terrain between two major rivers, surrounded by water channels that once served as natural protection. The three-story reconstruction was built on the foundation of the original fortress and shows the design of a stronghold on level ground.
The fortress was built in the late 15th century and served local rulers as a stronghold in the region. It gained fame when it withstood flooding during a large military campaign and could not be taken.
The grounds now house a local museum where visitors can see objects from the town's past and examples of traditional crafts made in Gyoda. On the lower floors, models show how the fortress appeared during the siege and how it was surrounded by water.
Access to the outer grounds is free, while entry to the museum requires a small fee. Audio guides are available in several languages and help with orientation through the exhibition rooms.
During the siege, a system of dams was built that turned the fortress into an island. This technique led to the stronghold receiving its nickname as a floating fort.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
