Shimo Castle (Suwa)

Shimonojō ("Lower Castle") is paired with Kaminojō ("Upper Castle") further along the trail. Shimonojō has a ladder-layout essentially following the ridge up. I thought it very interesting that the ôte (main path) was often flanked on both sides by tall embankments. I identified a few kuruwa (bailey

History

Shimonojō was built as part of a complex of mountain fortresses which included Kaminojō and Hagikura-toride. For more information see my upload / profile on Kaminojō.

Field Notes

Shimonojō ("Lower Castle") is paired with Kaminojō ("Upper Castle") further along the trail. Shimonojō has a ladder-layout essentially following the ridge up. I thought it very interesting that the ôte (main path) was often flanked on both sides by tall embankments. I identified a few kuruwa (baileys) and horikiri (trenches which bisect the ridge) whilst following this path up to Kaminojō. There are four principal baileys, the two lowest of which have koshikuruwa (sub-baileys) terraced beneath them, and there are many more smaller enclosures carved into the mountainside. The upper baileys do not have terracing above or below but each have a fairly deep trench to the rear.

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Castle Profile
English Name	Suwa Shimo Castle
Japanese Name	諏訪下城
Founder	Kanasashi Clan
Year Founded	Chuusei
Castle Type	Mountaintop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Artifacts	Trenches, Kuruwa, Karabori, Dorui, Ohte
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Shimo-Suwa Station on the Chuo Line; 50 minute walk
Hours	24/7 free
Time Required	One Hour
Location	Shimo-Suwa, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates	36.09163, 138.07731
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2020
Contributor	ART
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed

1.50

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