Numata Castle is classified as a hilltop castle, and is located in Gunma Prefecture. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Kōzuke Province. It is associated with the Numata, Sanada clans. Dates in use: 1532 - 1682.

Apparently, this castle was regarded as one of the most imposing in all Japan. Whether this opinion was justified or just wishful thinking is hard to judge as little remains from the original construction or subsequent reconstructions. Aside from sections of stone wall, there is the rebuilt Taiko turret & a revered cherry blossom tree called the Goten zakura.

During the Sengoku period, many battles were fought to capture the castle by the Uesugi, Takeda & the Hōjō clans.

Timeline

1532	The castle was built during the reign of the 12th generation lord of the Numata clan, Akiyasu.
1580	The Sanada clan seized the castle from the Hōjō clan.
1597	A five-layer main tower was built.
1681	Due to maladministration, The Sanada clan lost the fief & the castle was abandoned.
1703	The fief was re-established. The castle was renovated. No main tower was built.
1869	The castle was abandoned.

Historical recognition

Site	City Historic Site