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Uda-Matsuyama Castle Ruins: A Glimpse into Feudal Japan

Explore the historic Uda-Matsuyama Castle Ruins in Nara, Japan, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into feudal Japan's past.

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The Uda-Matsuyama Castle Ruins, located in Nara Prefecture, offer a captivating journey into Japan's past. Perched atop Matsuyama Mountain, the ruins provide panoramic views and a glimpse into the lives of samurai who once inhabited this strategic fortress.

A brief summary to Uda-Matsuyama Castle Ruins

Local tips

  • Visit during the cherry blossom season for a picturesque experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails around the castle ruins.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and historical architecture.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kintetsu Haibara Station (Osaka Line), take a bus towards Uda Matsuyama. Get off at the Ouda bus stop, a 5-minute walk from the castle ruins. Bus fare is approximately ¥160-¥300.

  • Walking

    From the Ouda bus stop, walk towards the town center and follow signs for Uda-Matsuyama Castle. The path involves a short, uphill walk. The walk from the base of the mountain to the castle ruins takes about 10 minutes.

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Discover more about Uda-Matsuyama Castle Ruins

Uda-Matsuyama Castle, also known as Akiyama Castle or Kaguraoka Castle, was strategically built in the mid-14th century by the Akiyama clan. The castle played a key role in controlling Yamato Province. Perched atop a 473-meter mountain, the castle ruins reveal remnants of a castle tower. The castle's ownership changed hands frequently. Taga Hidetane extensively renovated the castle, as evidenced by excavated tiles bearing his family crest. Eventually, the castle came under Tokugawa control and was renamed Matsuyama Castle by Fukushima Takaharu. However, in 1615, the castle was demolished when Takaharu was accused of conspiring with the Toyotomi clan. Today, only the stone walls remain. Recent excavations have uncovered the structure of the main enclosure residence, and efforts are underway to determine the castle tower's design. In 2006, the site was designated a National Historic Site. In 2017, it was selected as one of Japan's Continued Top 100 Castles. The site offers exceptional views, including the Yoshino and Omine mountains to the south and Mt. Nukai to the north. In 2011, the site was registered as Nara Landscape Heritage.

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