Damine Castle Ruins

Damine Castle once controlled a forested valley in Shitara, a remote corner of Aichi Prefecture near the Aichi-Shizuoka border. The ruins sit on a ridge above the Tomoe River, and the earthwork platforms and dry moat lines are still readable in the landscape. Reaching the ruins involves a short forest climb from the valley road, and the trail passes through cedar and cypress before opening onto the old castle grounds. The views down the valley from the upper sections are good, and the site is quiet even in good weather. Shitara itself has limited services, so plan food and transport before heading out.