Obama Castle, Japanese castle in Obama, Japan
Obama Castle is a 17th-century fortress on the Wakasa coast with stone walls surrounding the main bailey and the base of an old tower still visible. The site sits on a location chosen for its strategic view of the coast and reflects the building style of that era.
The castle was founded in 1601 and later served as the seat of the Sakai clan, who governed the territory for over two centuries. Their rule came to an end in 1871 when the feudal system was dismantled across the country.
The castle grounds once hosted schools and administrative buildings that shaped the local community and remained central to daily life. The surviving gate from the former domain school now forms part of Wakasa High School, showing how education and governance intertwined here.
The site is easily reached on foot in around 15 minutes from Obama Station or by car in a few minutes from the highway interchange. The flat surroundings and central location make it simple to include in a day's visit.
A shrine dedicated to the domain's founder stands within the former castle grounds, offering visitors a quiet place to reflect among the ruins. The shrine blends spiritual practice with the historical layers of the site in an unexpected way.
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