# Iwamura Castle

- **Country:** Japan
- **Coordinates:** 35.360333, 137.451306
- **Location Text:** Ena, Gifu

Iwamura Castle, located in the modern-day Iwamura district of Ena in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, stands as a remarkable example of a mountaintop fortress. Originally constructed in 1185 during the Kamakura period, the castle sits at an elevation of 721 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest castles in the nation. It is historically celebrated as one of Japan's three best mountain castles, alongside Takatori Castle and Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle. The site commands a strategic view over the Iwamura Basin and controlled vital intersections of ancient roads connecting Shinano, Mikawa, and Totomi provinces, which made it a focal point for military campaigns throughout feudal history.

The castle's history is defined by its role during the turbulent Sengoku period, where it was contested by powerful warlords such as Takeda Shingen and Oda Nobunaga. Initially ruled by the Toyama clan, the fortress became a political pawn when Nobunaga sent his aunt to marry into the family to secure an alliance against his rival, Saito Dosan. Following the death of the local lord, the castle faced a famous siege in 1572 led by Takeda general Akiyama Nobutomo. Over the centuries, control shifted among several prominent families, including the Mori, Matsudaira, and Niwa clans, reflecting its enduring strategic importance before its eventual demolition in 1871.

Today, Iwamura Castle exists primarily as ruins, yet it remains a significant historical landmark. While the original structures were dismantled during the Meiji Restoration, the site preserves the dramatic layout of its Edo period design and offers visitors a glimpse into its formidable defensive positioning. The location serves as a testament to the architectural ingenuity required to build such a high-altitude stronghold and continues to attract history enthusiasts interested in the complex clan struggles that shaped central Japan.

![Photo of Iwamura Castle](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Iwamurajo18.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iwamura_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)