Minowa Castle Ruins

The Minowa Castle Ruins date back to the early Sengoku period, approximately 500 years ago. Constructed as a hilltop castle by the Nagano clan, retainers of the Uesugi clan, it played a key role in fending off multiple attacks by Takeda Shingen during the reign of Nagano Narimasa. This earned it a reputation as an impregnable fortress. Over the years, the castle was controlled by the Takeda, Oda, Gohojo, and Tokugawa clans.

Today, the castle ruins reflect the era when Ii Naomasa resided there. Designated a National Historic Site in 1987 and recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles, the site features walking trails that offer a time away in quintessentially seasonal landscapes. Highlights include the advanced stone walls of the San-no-Maru area and the restored wooden Kuruwa Umadashi Nishikoguchi Gate. The tranquil surroundings offer a perfect setting to immerse yourself in historical reverie.

The annual Minowa Castle Festival, held on the last Sunday of October, brings history to life with reenactments of battles between the Nagano and Takeda forces. The festival also features stage performances and food stalls, attracting a large number of visitors each year.