also: ひらじょう
noun
castle on the plains; flatland castle
A castle built on flat terrain, as opposed to a mountain castle (山城). Often used in historical or architectural contexts.
See also: 山城
平城は防御に不利な面もあるが、交通の便が良い。
A flatland castle has some disadvantages for defense, but it offers good transportation access.
江戸時代には多くの平城が築かれた。
Many flatland castles were built during the Edo period.
山城 is a mountain castle built on elevated terrain for defensive advantage, while 平城 is a castle built on flat land, often prioritizing accessibility and governance.
Compound of 平 (ひら, 'flat') and 城 (しろ/じょう, 'castle'). The reading ひらじろ uses the native Japanese reading for 城, while ひらじょう uses the Sino-Japanese reading.