Oguro Castle (Ina)

Ogurojō ("Little Black Castle") is located further along the cliff which overlooks the plain from Ina Kasuga Castle. It is now a forested area with a small shrine. Dorui (earth-piled ramparts) are evident around the compound. The site overlooks the cliff to the east, and to the north and west is

History

Oguro Castle is listed as 小黒之古堡 ("Oguro Old Fort") in a list of towns and villages of Nagano Prefecture. Judging by its size and layout it likely functioned as a fortified residence in medieval times. Considering it must be quite old, it's fortunate that earthen ramparts still remain all around the central enclosure. The fortification once also encompassed outer enclosures to the north and west.

Field Notes

Ogurojō ("Little Black Castle") is located further along the cliff which overlooks the plain from Ina Kasuga Castle. It is now a forested area with a small shrine. Dorui (earth-piled ramparts) are evident around the compound. The site overlooks the cliff to the east, and to the north and west is a karabori (dry moat). To the south is a road which climbs through a break in the cliff line. Following the earthen ramparts around the main bailey I saw some suggestive piles of stones here and there.

Gallery

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  Dorui around bailey
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  Bailey space
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  Dorui
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  Dorui and possible gate site
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  Site from road below
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  Bailey with dorui
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  Bailey with remnant dorui

Castle Profile
English Name	Ina Oguro Castle
Japanese Name	伊那小黒城
Alternate Names	小黒之古堡
Founder	Oguro Clan?
Year Founded	Sengoku Period?
Castle Type	Hilltop
Castle Condition	Ruins only
Historical Period	Pre Edo Period
Artifacts	Kuruwa, Dorui, Karabori, Tatebori
Features	trenches
Visitor Information
Access	Ina-shi Station on the Iida Line; 25 minute walk
Hours	24/7 free; shrine
Time Required	30 minutes
Location	Ina, Nagano Prefecture
Coordinates	35.82969, 137.94714
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Admin
Added to Jcastle	2020
Contributor	ART
Admin Year Visited	Viewer Contributed

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