also: さんじょう
noun
mountain castle
A castle built on a mountain, utilizing natural terrain for defense. Contrasts with 平城 (ひらじろ), a castle built on flat land.
See also: 平城
戦国時代には多くの山城が築かれた。
Many mountain castles were built during the Warring States period.
この山城は急
This mountain castle uses steep slopes to strengthen its defenses.
A castle built on flat land, as opposed to a mountain castle (山城).
Compound of 山 (やま, 'mountain') and 城 (しろ, 'castle'). The reading さんじょう is the on'yomi version.