An abandoned Japanese gun emplacement.

We are traveling again for the New Year, so this week’s article is a brief look at something a friend of mine and I found hiking near Zushi, Kanagawa.  An acquaintance who lives in the area told me there was an abandoned anti-aircraft emplacement on the ridge line behind his house, so I decided I had to see it for myself.  I grabbed an Aussie friend of mine who enjoys hunting for abandoned buildings and went to have a look.

The hill we had to climb to reach the emplacement. We weren’t sure where it was located, only that it was somewhere on the ridge on top of that hill.

I don’t have a lot of information on this site.  In fact, it is only through the word of local residents that I know it is an anti-air emplacement.  It was a difficult hike to get there, but the hardest part comes next – research.

The empty concrete gun mount. Probably.

A central lookout and command area. From here, there are windows down to the other areas of the structure – likely for communication.

Someday, when I manage to track down the details on exactly what kind of gun emplacement this was, when it was built, and I will write a full article on this place.  For now, here is a preview of what I am working on.  If anyone can tell me more about it, or point me to where I might find more information, please leave a comment.  Any help would be appreciated.

In the mean time, have a happy New Year.

Steps going up to the lookout post. The large doorway beyond it leads to the gun platform.