Doesn’t look much like ruins, huh? Parts of the castle have been re-built, and it has been used in a couple historical dramas about the Warring States period. It also served an important role in several battles in the Kawanakajima area between Takeda Shingen (who’s domain was by Mt. Fuji) and Uesugi Kenshin (from the Niigata area).

The castle is on top of a mountain, and the road to get there is an EIGHTEEN percent grade! I’d only ever seen 10% before this, and my friends and I were a bit concerned as the driver’s car slowly made its way up… Be careful! We stopped to smell the cherry blossoms on the way!

My favorite thing about this castle is the view. It overlooks the entire Chikuma area. The view is really nice from the top of the guard post!

Here are some more pictures of various buildings in the complex.

View from in front of the main gate

These are barracks. The roof has rocks on it to keep the shingles from flying away

Guard tower from below

Between the upper area and the lower area

Admission is ￥300; check it out if you’re ever in the area!