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About Rikan Castle
Overview
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Rikan Castle is a mountain castle built atop of Mt. Rikan in Hirafuku, Sayo-cho (town) built on 1349 and abandoned on 1631.
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The three-story tower on top of the mountain was called "Kumotsuki Castle" because of its majestic appearance when it pierced the clouds in the morning of late autumn or early winter.
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If you climb to the top of the mountain, you can still see the stone walls (Main Bailey, the Second Bailey, and Osaka Bailey), which are reminiscent of the old days.
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Climbing is allowed only when accompanied by local guides. This castle was designated as a National Historic Site in 2009.
Facts & Data
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Height: 373 meters (1224 ft.) above sea level.
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Difference in elevation: From the foot of the mountain is approximately 250m.
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Form: Lenkaku-style* mountain castle (Middle Ages to Modern Times).
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Castle tower structure: Triple (now completely ruined).
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Major Castle Loads: Atsunori Bessho, Naoie Ukita, Yoshiyuki Ikeda.
*Lenkaku-style:
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The form of a straight line between Main Bailey, the Second Bailey, and the Third Bailey is called Lenkaku-style.
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It is often utilized in mountain castles built on mountain ridges.
Imagined View of Rikan Castle
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