Hometown of one of Japan's most historic daimyos

Shobata Castle once stood between Aichi Prefecture's cities of Inazawa and Aisai and was constructed by Oda Nobusada—grandfather to famous daimyo lord Oda Nobunaga. While the structure was indeed a castle, it did not possess a castle keep like many in Japan but rather was of simpler design, surrounded by an earthen ramparts and walls. Nonetheless, the castle is important as it is said to have been the birthplace of Nobunaga in 1534.
Today, a stone monument and sign with an explanation of the structure lie where the castle once stood. At the plaza outside nearby Shobata Station is a diorama recreation of what the castle is believed to have looked like as well as a statue of Nobunaga as a baby.