🗺️ Minowa Castle Ruins箕輪城跡

Minowa Castle, located in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, is a flat mountain castle built about 500 years ago during the early Sengoku period by Nagano, a vassal of the Kanto Kanrei Uesugi Uesugi. It later experienced various lords, including Takeda, Oda, the Later Hōjō, and Tokugawa. During the era of Nagano Yasunobu, the castle successfully repelled attacks from Takeda Shingen multiple times, earning a reputation as an impregnable fortress. The current castle site is the remnants from the time when Ii Naomasa was the lord of the castle. In 1987 (Showa 62), it was designated as a national historic site and was also selected as one of the "Japan's 100 Famous Castles." The expansive grounds have been planned with walking paths, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural scenery of the four seasons. Important attractions include the San-no-Maru stone walls built using the latest technology and the reconstructed wooden Kuruwa Umadashi Nishi Tiger Mouth gate. The surrounding atmosphere is tranquil, allowing for a leisurely stroll through the romance of history. Every year on the last Sunday of October, the "Minowa Castle Festival" is held, where ancient battles are reenacted, and actors portraying the warriors of Nagano and Takeda engage in fierce combat. There are also stage activities and dining areas, attracting many tourists and creating a lively atmosphere.

Built in the early Warring States period, the ruins of Hirayama Castle are said to be impregnable. Within the vast area, characterized by distinct seasonal scenery, there are several important attractions, including remnants of the past and restored buildings. The "Minowa Castle Festival," held on the last Sunday of October each year, is not to be missed.