Castles

There are hundreds of castles scattered throughout Japan.Many of Japan's castles were built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, when the country seemed constantly in a state of vicious warfare,The typical castle consisted of multiple rings of defense, with the so called honmaru ("main circle") in the center followed by the ninomaru ("second circle") and sannomaru ("third circle").Castles in Japan have a very different exterior than those travelers have come to expect of other countries.

Matsue Castle

Matsue Castle is one of only a dozen original castles in Japan, meaning that its main tower has survived to this day through fires, earthquakes and the anti-feudal demolitions of the Meiji Period. It is sometimes called the "black castle" after its darkly-colored, austere exterior.

Inuyama Castle

This castle was constructed in 1537 and survived throughout wartime to become one of the country's five castles designated as a National Treasure.

Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle, in Kochi Prefecture in the south of Shikoku, is a completely original castle, one of only twelve of the hundreds of castles still standing in Japan. The complete Edo Period inner citadel (honmaru) of Kochi Castle is still intact.

Kakunodate Castle

Important regional fortification and a small castle town built around it in the late 1500s. The town was later moved to Kakunodate's current location in 1620, marking the founding date of Kakunodate Town, as well as the demolition of its castle due to a change in legislation by the shogunate.

Matsuyama Castle

Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan's twelve "original castles", It is also one of the most complex and interesting castles in the country. It is located on a steep hill in the city center that provides visitors with a bird's eye view of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea.

Okayama Castle

Completed in 1597 after eight years of construction, Okayama Castle is one of Japan’s top 100 castles.

Matsumae Castle

Matsumae was the northern limit of Japan during the Edo Period and the sole feudal fief on the otherwise wild, untamed frontier of Hokkaido. The prosperous town attracted merchants engaged in the shipping trade, and was protected by a garrison at Matsumae Castle

Tsuruga Castle

Tsuruga Castle, also referred to as Wakamatsu Castle, is surrounded by Tsuruga Castle Park, which is rather impressive. The park has well tended lawns and cherry trees, which are particularly attractive when they are in bloom around mid April. The surrounding moat and stone walls, which previously served defensive purposes, now contribute to the pleasant atmosphere of the park.

Kokura Castle

Kokura Castle is an well-restored castle built on a plain that has become the symbol of the city of Kitakyushu, the only standing castle keep in Fukuoka Prefecture. The castle grounds are now known as Katsuyama Park and are a popular cherry blossom spot usually in bloom around early April.

Aoba Castle

Aoba Castle, also known as Sendai Castle (仙台城) or Gojo-ro (五城楼) is located in Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture. Aoba Castle was the home base of the powerful Date clan throughout the Edo Period (1600-1867).