Maruoka-jo Castle

In 1576, during the Warring States period, Katsuie Shibata had his nephew and adopted son, Katsutoyo, build this castle under the order of Nobunaga Oda. In the Edo period (1603-1867), Honda Narishige became the castle's lord, and the Maruoka clan was established. After that, the Arima clan was given the land and ruled the domain for eight generations. It is one of Japan's oldest existing castle towers and is designated as a national important cultural property.

It was built in the Kan'ei era (1624-1644) of the Edo period (1603-1868) and is a two-story, three-story, 12-meter-high freestanding watchtower style keep with a stone wall called "nozura-zumi," which is excellent for drainage, and a stone-tile roof, the only existing keep with such a feature. The entire first floor is used to support the upper floors. The "stone pit" and the "narrow passage" (bunghole) to protect the castle from outside enemies are also highlights of the castle. Inside the castle, there is a steep staircase with a maximum angle of 67 degrees, which is rare in Japan, and visitors can go up to the top floor to see every corner of the interior. The view from the ceiling room on the highest floor of the keep is superb. The view to the west is as far as the Sakai Plain and the hills of Mikuni.