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.
Visit 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.
| Castle Profile | |
|---|---|
| English Name | Shimo Castle (Suwa) |
| Japanese Name | 諏訪下城 |
| Founder | Kanasashi Clan |
| Year Founded | |
| Castle Type | Mountaintop |
| Castle Condition | Ruins only |
| Historical Period | Pre Edo Period |
| Features | trenches |
| Visitor Information | |
| Access | Shimo-Suwa Station on the Chuo Line; 50 minute walk |
| Visitor Information | 24/7 free |
| Time Required | One Hour |
| Location | Shimo-Suwa, Nagano Prefecture |
| Coordinates | 36° 5' 29.87" N, 138° 4' 38.32" E |
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| Admin | |
| Added to Jcastle | 2020 |
| Contributor | ART |
| Admin Year Visited | Viewer Contributed |
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