Aruto Castle Ruins

Overview

Aruto Castle is a medieval mountain castle ruin located in Chikuma City, Nagano Prefecture. It's said to have been built by the Murakami clan, who once ruled the area. Known as a crucial battleground during the Sengoku period (Warring States period) in Shinano, it played a significant role in the Battle of Kawanakajima between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin. The Takeda army used Aruto Castle as a base to confront the Uesugi army, making it a fierce battleground and etching its name into history. Built on a 590-meter-high summit, Aruto Castle was a formidable mountain fortress, utilizing the surrounding terrain to its advantage. Now developed as Shiroyama Historical Park, visitors can still sense its past atmosphere. The park preserves remains such as the honmaru (main enclosure) and ninomaru (second enclosure), allowing visitors to imagine what the castle once looked like. From the summit, you can also enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Chikuma River and distant mountains. When visiting Aruto Castle ruins, immerse yourself in its history, take in the panoramic views from the summit, and experience the rich history and natural beauty of Shinano.