Many of Japanese castles were built on the mountain or in the mountain. People can defend castles on the mountain easily because of their geographical features like cliffs, valleys and steep slopes. These kinds of castles had been built for more than one thousand years, and their style was completed in 16th century by daimyo. This period was war era. So the technique to build castles developed. I will show you some examples of the castles on the mountains.
But these kinds of castles have some weak points. It was not convenient to live on the mountain, and it was disadvantage for trades and politics. So some of these kinds castles had another residence at the foot of mountains. When it is at peace, the lord of a castle live in the residence at the foot, and when the war breaks out, he and his soldiers stay at the castle on the mountain.
The following images are some instances of castles on the mountain.
Yamanaka-Jo castle was built by Lord Houjo in the end of 16th century. It was one of the complete style of Japanese castles in Middle Ages. But this castle was destroyed by Hideyoshi and his modern forces in 1590.
Uesugi Kenshin who is one of the famous daimyo was the lord of Kasugayama-Jo. This castle was the symbol of his glory. But now, we can see only a few rockwalls and other buildings.
