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Nippon --- know it all!
 "shiro" castles
Japanese castles may seem at odds with the country's modern urban image, however these structures stand as awesome monuments to Japanese history. The fortresses were built to protect the daimyo and his clan during the Warring States period (15th-17th centuries). Although many were destroyed, some castles remain in their original form while others have been reconstructed. The castles feature intriguing wooden architecture and many rank as World Heritage sites.
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Himeji Castle (Himeji-jo)
Considered one of Japan's most spectacular castles, Himeji Castle is a national treasure and a World Heritage building. Built by various daimyo and completed in 1609, much of the original building still exists today. Also known as Shirasagi-jo, or "White Heron Castle" because of its striking white exterior, Himeji Castle is especially popular with visitors during cherry blossom season.
Himeji, Hyogo |
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Nagoya Castle (Nagoya-jo)
Built by Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1612, Nagoya Castle was completely destroyed in World War II and rebuilt in 1959. Known for the golden fish-like structures called kinshachi on its roof, the castle now houses a modern interior and museum showcasing its history. It is also an excellent spot for cherry blossom viewing.
Nagoya, Aichi |
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Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo)
A colossal structure built by Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1598, Osaka Castle was the scene of the Battle of Sekigahara where Ieyasu Tokugawa defeated the Toyotomi clan.
Damaged by fire in 1665, the castle was not rebuilt until 1931. Today, its impressive walls, moat and festival grounds are important symbols of Osaka.
Chuo-ku, Osaka |
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Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto-jo)
This castle marks the site of the last and unsuccessful rebellion against the Meiji government, led by Takamori Saigo in 1877. Built 270 years earlier by Kiyomasa Kato, Kumamoto Castle long retained its reputation as a well fortified castle. Today its walls house a beautiful garden and museum.
Kumamoto City, Kumamoto |
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Matsumoto Castle (Matsumoto-jo)
In 1594 Norimasa Ishikawa finished extending fortifications of a smaller structure to create Matsumoto Castle. A national treasure, it is also known as Crow Castle because of its black roof. Matsumoto Castle is an exquisite example of a hirajiro, a castle built on flat land rather than the more traditional hillside or mountain location.
Matsumoto, Nagano |
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Inuyama Castle (Inuyama-jo)
Claimed to be the country's oldest castle, Inuyama was completed by Nobuyasu Oda in 1537. For most years since 1616, it belonged to the Naruse family and is the only castle to have been privately owned in Japan. Inuyama Castle has since been taken over by Aichi Prefecture and is classed as a national treasure.
Inuyama, Aichi
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Shuri Castle (Shuri-jo)
Located on the island prefecture of Okinawa, Shuri Castle was built around the late 14th century and housed kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom until 1879, when it came under the control of Japan. The kingdom was once a prosperous trading nation with ties to China, Korea and Japan and influences of these cultures can be seen in the castle's architecture. Although the current building is a reconstruction, it has remained an iconic monument and is a World Heritage site.
Shuri, Okinawa |
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