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History
Akagi-kitajō is twinned with Akagi-minamijō to the south, "kita" being "north" and "minami" being "south" in Japanese (see Akagi Minami Castle). They were the medieval fortresses and residences of the Akagi Clan.
Visit Notes
Akagi-kitajō was for me the more interesting of the twin Akagi castles, although they're about the same size. Akagi-kitajō has a large, deep karabori (dry moat) running around it on three sides, about 12m wide. To the north is a small river and a reservoir. A dobashi (earthen bridge) grants access to the main enclosure. The site is largely overgrown today, adjacent to a temple and surrounded by fields. Some of these fields have been taken over by creeping ivy which has climbed things and created strange shapes. One spectral figure has its arms stretched out, crucified, with a stump of a neck. Crows were gathering and a mad peasant was raving in an orchard. Despite my deep attraction to the site, I could not ignore a growing sense of foreboding. The main bailey was choked with ivy, bamboo and chestnut burrs which made progress impossible.
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Akagi Kita Castle |
| Japanese Name | 赤木北城 |
| Founder | Akagi Clan |
| Year Founded | Kamakura Period |
| Castle Type | Hilltop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | trenches |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Murai Station on the Chuo Line; 35 minute walk |
| Visitor Information | 24/7 free |
| Time Required | 30 minutes |
| Location | Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 36° 9' 45.58" N, 137° 58' 24.31" E |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2020 |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
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