Minami Castle

Minami Castle [糸无果莽 みなみ・がく] is a castle located in the city of Minami, Kōfu Prefecture. It was built in the early 12th century by the Sadawa clan, but was used by the Eiita for most of its history.
Minami Castle is located between the eastern banks of the Hyōzu River and the western side of Lake Eiya. Although the surrounding area is a large plain, the lake extended further inland when the castle was built, and the area surrounding the castle consisted of many smaller streams and marshes, which created natural geographical defenses. It was originally constructed and inhabited by the Sadawa clan, who were forced to surrender to the Eiita after the Battle of Eiita in 1421; this victory led to the founding of the Eiita and Kan'eii Provinces, and the destruction of the Sadawa. Minami Castle was initially little more than a fortified manor house with a moat and earthen rampart; during the 1450s, it was expanded to include a bailey with a maze-like system of water moats, with watchtowers at each corner. A temple, now ruined, was also built.
The castle remains well-preserved and is a popular tourist attraction of Kōfu Prefecture.