Oguro Castle (Ina)
Kokurojō ("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 i
.JPG)
History
Kokuro Castle is listed as 小黒之古堡 ("Kokuro 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
Kokurojō ("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
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Ina Kokuro Castle |
| Japanese Name | 伊那小黒城 |
| Alternate Names | 小黒之古堡 |
| Founder | Kokuro 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 |
|
|
|
| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
