Katsunuma clan residence ruins

The Katsunuma clan residence ruins are located in Kōshū, Yamanashi, Japan, and offer a glimpse into the Sengoku period's architectural and societal structures. As a fortified residence built by the Katsunuma clan—a branch of the Takeda clan—this site highlights strategic military planning with its moated compound. The site encompasses remnants of 23 buildings, including domestic structures and a temple, indicating a well-planned residential complex. The discovery of a blacksmith's workshop and reservoir further underscores its self-sustaining capabilities. Artifacts such as Chinese celadon, Haji ware pottery, and Tenmoku pottery point to cultural exchanges and domestic life, while animal and fish bones reveal dietary habits. Notably, traces of gold refining were found, suggesting economic activities related to the nearby Kurokawa gold mine. Designated a National Historic Site of Japan, it now serves as a public park, offering insights into the past.