Mountaintop

From Jcastle.info

Mountaintop Castles / 山城

This is a subtype of Castle Type

Mountaintop Castles were the predominant castle type prior to the Edo Period and most common during the Sengoku Period. During the more peaceful times they were often used as a lookout point or relay point for smoke signals and to watch major roads into one's territory. People typically did not live in Sengoku Period mountaintop castles. Logistically they were not well suitable for governing or living so lord's would often have a fortified home in a more reasonable location with one or more nearby mountaintop castles where the lord and his family and retainers could flee to during times of unrest.

The common features of mountaintop castles are trenches and ditches of various types used to impede the movement of attackers and create lines of fire to more easily shoot arrows at the attackers. Mountaintop Castles may have also used some earthen embankments to create barriers around baileys and they would have also carved the mountainsides to make them more steep (kirigishi). Stonework was mostly used to shore up the sides of baileys to create more open spaces and prevent erosion until the castles of the latter Sengoku Period when Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi started building mountain castles with much more stonework. Their power struggles mostly focused on central and western so that is where you see the most Sengoku Period mountaintop castle stonework. The Nagano area also has some fascinating stonework at mountaintop castles, that developed independently from the Nobunaga-Hideyoshi influence.

Castles with Mountaintop Castles
  1. Aimiyamamonomi Fort
  2. Akechi Osayama Castle
  3. Akiba Fort
  4. Akiba Fort (Azumi)
  5. Akiyoshi Fort
  6. Akozu Castle
  7. Akutagawasan Castle
  8. Amabiki Castle
  9. Amagajo
  10. Amanari Castle
  11. Ametoya Castle
  12. Amidagamine Castle (Yamashiro)
  13. Aoiyama Castle
  14. Aoki Castle (Azumi)
  15. Aoyagi Castle
  16. Aoyama Castle
  17. Aoyama Castle (Nagato)
  18. Ara Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
  19. Araihara Castle
  20. Arashi Castle
  21. Arato Castle
  22. Aratoshou Castle
  23. Arayama Castle
  24. Arikoyama Castle
  25. Aruga Castle
  26. Asaba Castle
  27. Asahi Castle (Chikuma)
  28. Asahi Castle (Minochi)
  29. Asahi Castle (Owari)
  30. Asahiyama Castle
  31. Asahiyama Castle (Kai)
  32. Asaka Castle (Chikuma)
  33. Ashigara Castle
  34. Ashigara Teraba Fort
  35. Asuke Castle
  36. Atagoyama Noroshidai
  37. Aya Castle
  38. Ayukawa Castle (Koka)
  39. Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
  40. Busetsu Castle
  41. Chausudate
  42. Chausuyama Castle (Chikuma)
  43. Chausuyama Castle (Shinano)
  44. Chifuruya Castle (Sanada)
  45. Chihaya Castle
  46. Chikatou Fort
  47. Chinen Castle
  48. Daikan'yama Fort
  49. Damine Castle
  50. Deura Castle
  51. Dokanyama
  52. Dokyou Castle
  53. Dousawa Fort
  54. Eboshigata Castle
  55. Echizen Ohno Castle
  56. Egawa Fort
  57. Enryakuji
  58. Enryakuji Amidadou Fort
  59. Enryakuji Higashitani Fort
  60. Enryakuji Joudoin Fort
  61. Enryakuji Kitatani Fort
  62. Enryakuji Monjurou Fort
  63. Enryakuji Nishitani Fort
  64. Enryakuji Shakadou Fort
  65. Fujikawa Castle (Mikawa)
  66. Fukayama Castle (Suruga)
  67. Fukushima Castle (Kiso)
  68. Fukutake Castle (Chikuzen)
  69. Fumimichi Castle
  70. Funaoka Castle
  71. Funaokayama Castle
  72. Funayama Castle
  73. Funayama Castle (Mikawa)
  74. Furujouyama Castle (Hanishina)
  75. Fusou Castle (Mikawa)
  76. Fusumada Castle
  77. Futae Castle (Azumi)
  78. Futamata Castle
  79. Futoge Castle
  80. Futoh'yama Castle
  81. Gakiyama Noroshidai
  82. Ganjaku Castle
  83. Ganryakuji Castle
  84. Gassan Toda Castle
  85. Genbao Castle
  86. Gentairi Castle
  87. Gifu Castle
  88. Gobara Castle
  89. Gokan Castle
  90. Goryu Castle
  91. Gouda Fort
  92. Gujo Hachiman Castle
  93. Hachikenchōja Castle
  94. Hachiman'yama Castle (Tanba)
  95. Hachioji Castle
  96. Haga Castle
  97. Hagikura Fort
  98. Haibara Castle
  99. Haiyama Castle
  100. Hakota Castle (Kozuke)
  101. Hakoyama Castle (Takai)
  102. Hakusan Castle
  103. Hakusan Castle (Harima)
  104. Hamada Castle
  105. Hanagoya Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
  106. Hanaoka Castle (Azumi)
  107. Hanaoka Castle (Saku)
  108. Hanasaki Castle (Tsuru)
  109. Hanazono Castle
  110. Hanazono Mitake Castle
  111. Haneo Castle
  112. Haruyamako Castle
  113. Haruyamaoh Castle
  114. Hasedo Castle
  115. Hatayama Castle
  116. Hatsuzawa Castle
  117. Hayaotoshi Castle
  118. Hayashikojo Castle
  119. Hayashiohjo Castle
  120. Hieinoyama Fort
  121. Higashijou Castle (Chikuma)
  122. Hijiyama Castle (Iga)
  123. Hikaru Castle
  124. Hiki Castle
  125. Hikida Castle
  126. Hime Castle (Chikuma)
  127. Hime Castle (Hanishina)
  128. Himega Castle (Mikawa)
  129. Hinohara Castle
  130. Hirai Kanayama Castle
  131. Hirakura Castle
  132. Hirase Castle
  133. Hirase Kitano Castle
  134. Hirase Noroshidai
  135. Hirose Castle (Hida)
  136. Hisawa Castle
  137. Hishakuyama Castle
  138. Hitomoshi Castle (Saku)
  139. Hitomoshiyama Fort (Suwa)
  140. Hiyama Castle
  141. Hoshigasaki Castle
  142. Hoshina Maenoyama Fort
  143. Houshouji Fort
  144. Hyakusaiji Castle
  145. Ibarayama Castle
  146. Ibayama Castle
  147. Ibikitagata Castle
  148. Ibuka Castle
  149. Ichigousan Castle
  150. Ichijodani Castle
  151. Ichijodani Kojo Castle
  152. Ichijodaniyama Castle
  153. Ichijojiyama Castle
  154. Ichinodaira Castle (Ina)
  155. Ichinomiya Castle
  156. Iida Castle (Azumi)
  157. Iimori Castle
  158. Iimori Castle (Azumi)
  159. Iinawa Castle
  160. Iizuna Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
  161. Ikeda Castle (Mino)
  162. Ima Castle (Mino)
  163. Imori Castle (Suwa)
  164. Inaniwa Castle
  165. Inariyama Castle (Saku)
  166. Inoue Castle
  167. Inukai Castle
  168. Ioto Castle
  169. Ioyama Castle
  170. Iroganeyama Fort
  171. Isezaki Castle (Sanada)
  172. Ishibayama Castle (Omi)
  173. Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle
  174. Ishimura Castle
  175. Isobe Castle
  176. Isshiki Castle (Chita)
  177. Itagakiyama Noroshidai
  178. Iwabitsu Castle
  179. Iwadono Castle
  180. Iwahara Castle (Azumi)
  181. Iwakiri Castle
  182. Iwakuni Castle
  183. Iwakura Castle
  184. Iwamura Castle
  185. Iwasaki Castle (Hanishina)
  186. Iwaseyama Castle
  187. Iwaya Castle
  188. Iwazu Castle
  189. Izaki Castle
  190. Izu Ohdairashin Castle
  191. Jikouin Fort
  192. Jinbagahara Castle
  193. Jinnoya Castle (Mikawa)
  194. Jofukuji Castle
  195. Jouhikage Fort
  196. Joumineyama Castle
  197. Juuouzan Fort
  198. Kaesa Castle
  199. Kagikakemonomi Fort
  200. Kaize Castle (Saku)
  201. Kake Castle (Nukata)
  202. Kakegawako Castle
  203. Kakiage Castle (Chikuma)
  204. Kakizaki Castle
  205. Kakunodate Castle
  206. Kamagatake Castle
  207. Kamaha Castle
  208. Kamei Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
  209. Kameyama Castle (Kii)
  210. Kami Castle (Suwa)
  211. Kamigishimoto Castle (Omi)
  212. Kamitohno Castle
  213. Kamogatake Castle
  214. Kamomegasaki Battery (Obama Domain)
  215. Kanaiyama Castle
  216. Kanao Yogaisan Castle
  217. Kanayama Castle
  218. Kanayama Castle (Echigo)
  219. Kanbara Castle
  220. Kanegasaki Castle
  221. Kaneyama Castle (Mino)
  222. Kaneyama Castle (Mutsu)
  223. Kanmuriyama Castle (Bitchu)
  224. Kannonji Castle
  225. Karakai Castle
  226. Karasaki Castle
  227. Karasawayama Castle
  228. Karasuyama Castle
  229. Karatoriya Castle
  230. Karidako Castle
  231. Karidaoh Castle
  232. Kariyahara Castle
  233. Kasama Castle
  234. Kasane Castle
  235. Kaseyama Castle
  236. Kashiwayama Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
  237. Kasugayama Castle
  238. Kasumi Castle
  239. Katsunuma Castle
  240. Katsurao Castle (Hanishina)
  241. Katsurayama Castle
  242. Katsuren Castle
  243. Katsuyama Castle (Echigo)
  244. Katsuyama Castle (Nagato)
  245. Katsuyama Castle (Tsuru)
  246. Kattori Castle (Chikuma)
  247. Kawajiri Castle
  248. Kawamura Castle
  249. Kawanoe Castle
  250. Kazurayama Castle
  251. Keirozan Castle
  252. Kemi Castle (Chiisagata)
  253. Kemi Castle (Chikuma)
  254. Kemurino Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
  255. Kibune Castle
  256. Kikuchi Castle
  257. Kinojo
  258. Kirarazaka Castle
  259. Kiridouzan Noroshidai
  260. Kirihara Castle
  261. Kita Tsuda Castle
  262. Kita Wakamiko Castle
  263. Kitanosho Castle (Omi)
  264. Kitasudayama Castle (Omi)
  265. Kobushi Castle (Tsuru)
  266. Kogane Castle (Mikawa)
  267. Koiwatake Castle
  268. Kojima Castle (Hida)
  269. Kokururi Castle
  270. Kokuzousan Castle (Aida)
  271. Kokuzousan Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
  272. Kokuzousan Noroshidai
  273. Kokuzousanminami Fort (Aida)
  274. Kokuzousannanseioneno Castle (Aida)
  275. Kokuzousannishi Fort (Aida)
  276. Komaki Castle
  277. Komaki Castle (Chiisagata)
  278. Komakijou Ohte Fort
  279. Komakikamino Castle (Chiisagata)
  280. Komaruyama Castle (Kiso)
  281. Komaruyama Fort (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
  282. Komasawa Castle
  283. Komatsu Castle (Sagami)
  284. Komatsuyama Noroshidai
  285. Komihanachi Castle
  286. Konishi Castle (Ina)
  287. Konosumiyama Castle
  288. Koori Nishiyama Castle
  289. Koraku Castle
  290. Korin Castle (Ina)
  291. Koriyama Castle (Hiroshima)
  292. Kosema Castle
  293. Koshibami Castle
  294. Koshigoe Castle
  295. Koshikou Castle (Chikuma)
  296. Kosuge Castle
  297. Koujin'o Castle
  298. Koujin'yama Castle (Ina)
  299. Koujin'yama Noroshidai
  300. Kounomine Castle
  301. Kouyama Castle (Bingo)
  302. Kouyama Castle (Nagato)
  303. Koya Castle
  304. Koya Castle (Chikuma)
  305. Koyaba Castle
  306. Kozutsumi Castle
  307. Kubodera Castle
  308. Kuboe Castle (Omi)
  309. Kuboyashikishi Castle (Koka)
  310. Kukuri Castle
  311. Kuma Castle
  312. Kuniyoshi Castle
  313. Kunou Castle
  314. Kurahone Castle
  315. Kurobane Castle
  316. Kuroi Castle
  317. Kurokawashi Castle (Koka)
  318. Kuruma Castle
  319. Kuruma Castle (Hanishina)
  320. Kurumayama Castle (Hanishina)
  321. Kururi Castle
  322. Kuwabara Castle
  323. Kuwagatahara Noroshidai
  324. Magome Castle
  325. Manago Castle
  326. Mariko Castle
  327. Marikoyama Fort
  328. Marune Fort
  329. Maruyama Fort (Ina)
  330. Maruyama Noroshidai (Suwa)
  331. Maruyama Noutou Castle
  332. Masugata Castle (Minochi)
  333. Masugata Castle (Musashi)
  334. Masugata Castle (Takai)
  335. Masugatayama Castle
  336. Matsudai Castle (Echigo)
  337. Matsudaira Castle
  338. Matsugasaki Castle (Yamashiro)
  339. Matsuida Castle
  340. Matsukura Castle
  341. Matsuo Castle
  342. Matsuo Castle (Mino)
  343. Matsuyama Castle (Gunma)
  344. Meiseireijin Fort
  345. Michibayashi Fort
  346. Michikusa Fort
  347. Miharu Castle
  348. Mikka Castle (Minochi)
  349. Mikkaichiba Castle
  350. Mikumo Castle (Koka)
  351. Minagawa Castle
  352. Minakuchi Okayama Castle
  353. Minami Majino Castle
  354. Minami Tsuda Castle
  355. Minami Wakamiko Castle
  356. Minegadou Castle
  357. Misayama Castle
  358. Miyahara Castle
  359. Miyaishi Castle
  360. Miyanoue Castle (Saku)
  361. Mizuban Castle
  362. Mochikoshi Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
  363. Mochizuki Castle (Koka)
  364. Mochizuki Castle (Saku)
  365. Mochizukishi Castle (Koka)
  366. Moji Castle
  367. Monjuyama Castle
  368. Monomi Castle (Murakami Clan Fort Network)
  369. Moriyama Castle
  370. Moriyama Castle (Izu)
  371. Motai Castle (Hanishina)
  372. Moto Castle (Chikuma)
  373. Motodoriyama Castle
  374. Motodoriyamako Castle
  375. Motosu Castle
  376. Motoyama Castle (Chikuma)
  377. Mukaihaguroyama Castle
  378. Mumo Castle
  379. Myodaiji Castle
  380. Myogi Castle
  381. Myogiyama Noroshidai
  382. Nabekura Castle
  383. Nabeyamajou Fort
  384. Naegi Castle
  385. Nagabayashi Fort
  386. Nagaikeyama Fort
  387. Nagakubo Castle
  388. Nagamine Fort
  389. Nagasawa Daikakuji Castle
  390. Nagaune Fort
  391. Nagayama Castle (Ina)
  392. Nagayama Castle (Suo)
  393. Nagurumi Castle
  394. Nakaara Castle
  395. Nakagusuku Castle
  396. Nakajima Castle (Azumi)
  397. Nakajouikenotaira Fort
  398. Nakamura Castle (Azumi)
  399. Nakano Castle (Chiisagata)
  400. Nakano Castle (Kai)
  401. Nakanojin Castle
  402. Nakao Castle (Chiisagata)
  403. Nakao Castle (Yamashiro)
  404. Nakatou Castle
  405. Nakayama Fort
  406. Nakayamaniyama Fort
  407. Nakijin Castle
  408. Nanao Castle
  409. Narisawa Castle
  410. Narisawa Noroshidai
  411. Narukami Castle (Chikuma)
  412. Nata Castle
  413. Natsumichi Fort
  414. Nechi Castle
  415. Nechi Kamijouyama Castle
  416. Negoya Castle
  417. Negoya Castle (Sanada)
  418. Nezumiana Castle
  419. Nihonmatsu Castle
  420. Niitakayama Castle
  421. Niiya Castle (Kouzuke)
  422. Nijo Castle (Tochigi)
  423. Nirayama Castle
  424. Nishi Aoki Castle
  425. Nishijou Castle
  426. Nishijou Castle (Chikuma)
  427. Nishikata Castle
  428. Nishimaki Castle (Azumi)
  429. Nishiyama Castle (Azumi)
  430. Nishiyama Castle (Chiisagata)
  431. Nochiseyama Castle
  432. Nomura Fort
  433. Nosezakanishi Castle
  434. Nouken Kurokoma Fort
  435. Nozaki Castle
  436. Numata Castle
  437. Nyoigatake Castle
  438. Nyunomi Castle
  439. Obama Castle (Mutsu)
  440. Obaraichiba Castle
  441. Obiki Castle
  442. Odani Castle
  443. Odayama Castle (Aizu)
  444. Odoriba Fort
  445. Ogawa Castle (Koka)
  446. Ogawa Nakanojo Castle (Koka)
  447. Ogawa Nishinojo Castle (Koka)
  448. Ogimachi Castle
  449. Ogiwara Castle (Azumi)
  450. Ogoe Castle
  451. Ogura Castle
  452. Ogura Castle (Azumi)
  453. Ogyu Castle
  454. Oh'eda Castle
  455. Oh'ikemurayama Castle
  456. Ohdate
  457. Ohfuji Castle
  458. Ohga Castle
  459. Ohkawarashi Castle (Koka)
  460. Ohmine Castle
  461. Ohmori Castle
  462. Ohnoda Castle (Azumi)
  463. Ohsaki Castle
  464. Ohsakide Castle
  465. Ohshio Castle (Azumi)
  466. Ohyama Dejiro
  467. Oishi Castle (Bitchu)
  468. Oka Castle
  469. Okayama Jinjiro
  470. Oko Castle
  471. Omi Castle
  472. Omifuru Castle
  473. Oniba Castle
  474. Onjouyama Fort
  475. Ono Castle
  476. Onotougemonomi Fort
  477. Oogo Castle
  478. Ori Castle
  479. Osaka Castle (Chikuma)
  480. Osaka Castle (Sarashina)
  481. Osaka Castle (Suwa)
  482. Oshino Castle (Azumi)
  483. Ou Castle (Ina)
  484. Ougidairayama Castle
  485. Oura Castle
  486. Owa Castle (Suwa)
  487. Raiden Castle
  488. Reishouzan Castle
  489. Rikan Castle
  490. Ryugasaki Castle (Ina)
  491. Ryusenji Castle
  492. Saijozan Jinba
  493. Saimyoji Castle
  494. Sainokami Castle
  495. Sakaime Castle
  496. Sakakikitajou Castle
  497. Sakura Castle (Suwa)
  498. Sakurabasamade Castle
  499. Sakurasawa Fort
  500. Samegai Castle
... further results
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