In a world filled with fairytales, with the prince living in a stone-etched castle, when we say "Castles in Japan," the look is totally different that you will ask why it was called a castle.
Usually a king and his Royal blood family inhabits the palace, in Westernized norm. However, in Japan, the Emperors and Empresses breathe life into these castles.
Castles usually consist of the following:
- Castle Tower (Donjon)
- Also known as the castle keep, it is the most prominent structure in a castle town. Typically it has three to five levels. Nevertheless, there are often more floors in the interior than you can see outside.
- Walls and Moats
- These serves as the major defense structure of the fortresses.
- Guard Towers
- Also called as turrets, these guard houses serve as a watch towers and storage rooms often located at the corners. They commonly consist of two floors, and are much smaller than the castle keep.
- Gates
- Castles have numerous thick, heavily-defended entrance gates.
- Palace (Goten)
- It functions as the lord's residences and offices. One of the remaining example is the Ninomaru Palace of Nijo Castle. Some of the reconstructed palaces are Hikone Castle, Nagoya Castle, and Kumamoto Castle.
Here are our list of the most vied and exquisite castles that you must visit:
10. Takeda Castle Ruins
It is known as Japan's own version of Machu Picchu. The ruins looks like floating in clouds during morning. Go early to catch the clouds, or else you'll see nothing but scattered rocks.
9. Nijo Castle
This castle is humble compared to others that made it to the list. However, it has an excellent interior. It has "nightingale" floors that squeaks everytime it is stepped-on.
8. Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima City has been known for World War II, but it has a fine castle that symbolizes inner peace and beauty within the city.
7. Inuyama Castle
A black and white castle with an overlooking river is found in Aichi Prefecture.
6. Shuri Castle
A unique castle with fiery red exterior and interior, ornated with golden embelishments.
5. Kumamoto Castle
It is one of the most impressive castles with its authoritative look. It is also one of the most complete in structure, and most visited during hanami season.
4. Nagoya Castle
Aside from its castle keep, it has a cute mascot called Princess Shiromaru.
3. Osaka Castle
Its beautiful pale blue hue when combined with the pink petals of cherry blossoms is a picture-perfect scenery, great escape in a busy city.
2. Matsumoto Castle
If this castle is a bird, it could be a perfect metaphor for a bald eagle. The castle and its surroundings will surely give you a "walk to remember".
1. Himeji Castle
Himeji castle is the most beautiful castle in Japan, located in western Hyogo. It holds several festivals and fairs throughout the year that you shouldn't miss.
Photo by Oren Rozen. Licensed under Creative Commons. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en)
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