Iwamura Castle Ruins
One of Japan’s three major mountain castles, Iwamura Castle—also known as “Kirigajo” —is a well-fortified mountain castle that cleverly uses the landscape—a 180 meter drop—as a natural defense. You could easily call the grand stone walls “the Machu Picchu of the East,” and they will leave castle lovers breathless. The 700-year history of this castle is unmatched by any other castle in Japan. About 20 minutes by car via the Ena Interchange on the Chuo Expressway.