En un regard
Le château en bref
Northeast of Okayama, the isolated mountain of Ōmeguri-Komeguri (about 199 m) bears one of the rare ancient-style mountain forts, built in the second half of the 7th century. No ancient text mentions it: its name, precise date and function remain unknown, and it is linked to the wave of fortifications raised after the defeat at Hakusukinoe (663) in the face of the threat from the continent. An earthen rampart of about 3.2 km surrounds the summit and the valleys, built on a base of stone slabs. Three stone water gates, the first of which, about 27 m wide, is the best preserved, close off the valleys. No building or main gateway has been identified. Later, the neighbouring Jōraku-ji temple used the site as a religious space, as medieval stone Buddhas attest. The site has been a National Historic Site since 2005.