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There are 12 unique castles in Japan: “unique” (現存天守) means they’ve a fort tower (or essential maintain) that was constructed in the course of the Edo interval or earlier. It might shock you, as there are a number of castles round Japan, however solely a dozen have survived centuries with out being broken or destroyed. That is primarily as a result of the Meiji authorities demolished most of them in 1873 after they tried to show the entire nation right into a Westernized kind by implementing a collection of reformations. Outdated castles have been thought to be ineffective, and the cultural values have been ignored.
Right now, we are able to take pleasure in 12 unique castles throughout the nation. Every fascinates guests with distinctive options, and visiting them permits you to be taught extra about their historical past and backgrounds. On this article, we are going to introduce 12 unique castles you’ll be able to see in Japan!
Historical past of 12 Unique Japanese Castles
Like we talked about above, the 現存天守, or unique castles, imply that the fort was constructed within the Edo interval or earlier and has a essential maintain. You’ve doubtless seen photos of dramatic Japanese castles with hovering stone partitions and spectacular fort towers. However do you know that this iconic model wasn’t at all times the norm?
Early Japanese castles have been a lot less complicated, usually consisting of a wood maintain inside a fortified enclosure. It wasn’t till the late sixteenth century that the dramatic stone partitions and towering retains we affiliate with Japanese castles in the present day started to emerge. This shift coincided with the rise of Oda Nobunaga, a strong warlord who unified a lot of Japan. Nobunaga’s formidable venture, Azuchi Citadel, with its imposing stone partitions and stylish structure, grew to become a logo of his energy and a blueprint for future fort development. This era noticed a surge in fort constructing throughout the nation, with many incorporating the brand new architectural components.
Nevertheless, this period of castle-building was short-lived. The Tokugawa Shogunate, which unified Japan within the early seventeenth century, applied strict insurance policies that restricted fort development, resulting in the destruction of the overwhelming majority of current castles. In consequence, over 3,000 castles have been decreased to 170, that means about 95% of the Japanese castles have been ruined.
Then, within the late nineteenth century in the course of the Meiji period, and as Japan launched into a program of Westernization, the federal government ordered the demolition of many remaining castles. Some castles remained and have been used as army bases however others have been offered with very low costs or used for college campuses. Luckily, a rising appreciation for the historic and architectural significance of those buildings led to a motion to protect them.
By the early twentieth century, there have been 20 castles left. Sadly, that quantity was decreased to 12 within the aftermath of World WarⅡ. Whereas many have been misplaced, a handful of those magnificent buildings survived, providing a glimpse into Japan’s wealthy and turbulent previous. Right now, these surviving castles stand as highly effective reminders of a bygone period, drawing guests from around the globe.
These 12 remaining castles are a testomony to the devoted efforts of those that fought to protect them for future generations, and miraculously survived the ravages of battle.
1. Bitchū Matsuyama Citadel
Bitchu Matsuyama Citadel is an iconic fort situated in Takahashi metropolis, Okayama prefecture. It was in-built 1240 by Akiba Shigenobu, a warrior in the course of the Kamakura interval, and has been cherished by many individuals as a landmark and probably the most visited vacationer attraction within the metropolis. It is called the one Yamajiro-style fort among the many 12 unique castles, sitting 430-meter excessive above the ocean stage. Ensure that to organize for a hike as you should take a steep pathway to achieve the fort tower earlier than having fun with a spectacular view from there! From late September by way of early April, particularly early within the morning when the clouds across the fort get thick, you’ll be able to see the fort floating above the ocean of clouds! It’s also known as the fort within the sky, making it a singular photogenic spot featured in lots of journey information books.
Opening Hours
9am – 5:30pm (Apr. – Sep.), 9am – 4:30 (Oct. – Mar.)
Admissions ¥500 (Adults) ¥200 (elementary/ junior highschool college students)
The way to get there: From JR Bitchu Takahashi station, take a taxi and it takes about 15 min.
2. Hikone Citadel
Hikone Citadel is a symbolic spot situated in Hikone metropolis, Shiga prefecture. Designated as a Nationwide Treasure together with 4 different unique castles akin to Himeji fort and Inuyama fort, it is among the hottest vacationer points of interest within the Hikone space. The development of the fort began with an order from Tokugawa Ieyasu, the primary Shogun of Tokugawa Shogunate in 1604. It took about 20 years to finish the entire fort, and it prospered as a political and enterprise middle of the Hikone clan dominated by the Ii household in the course of the Edo interval. The three-story essential constructing is comparatively small, however the remaining buildings mix totally different architectural kinds from the center ages and the early trendy ages, making it a singular historic website. Many of the buildings are nonetheless in excellent situation, and a few of the stone partitions and moats are formally designated as Vital Cultural Properties.
Opening Hours
8:30am – 5pm
Admissions ¥800 (Adults) ¥200 (elementary/ junior highschool college students)
The way to get there: Take the JR line and get off at Hikone station. It’s a 15min stroll to get to the fort.
3. Himeji Citadel
The white, stunning facade seems in a lot of the journey guides that introduce the highlights that you simply shouldn’t miss in Japan. Himeji Citadel is an iconic fort situated in Himeji metropolis, Hyogo prefecture. It’s well known as a consultant fort within the Kansai area together with Osaka fort in Osaka, and visited by quite a few numbers of vacationers all 12 months spherical. The elegant look is also known as Shirasagi-jo (White Heron), and reopened to the general public after greater than 5 years of restoration work in 2015.
The present fort complicated, accomplished in 1609, consists of over 80 buildings, and most of them fortuitously survived a number of wars and fires in contrast to different castles in Japan. In 1993, it was registered as one of many first UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Japan. Throughout cherry blossom season, the grounds are filled with individuals who benefit from the brief lived blossoming with the attractive fort within the background. Over this era, Himeji Citadel and the cherry bushes are lit up for a tremendous illumination within the night as nicely. With over 1,000 cherry bushes, this space is a good place to view cherry blossoms day or evening!
Opening Hours
9am – 4pm, Sundown – 12am for the evening illumination
Admissions:
Citadel day admission: ¥1,000 (Adults) ¥300 (Youngsters)
Nishi no Maru Admission(Night time cherry blossom illumination):￥600(Adults) ￥200(Youngsters)
The way to get there: From JR Himeji station, take a bus referred to as “Shinki Bus” and get off at Otemon-mae cease.
4. Hirosaki Citadel
Hirosaki Citadel is an iconic fort in Hirosaki metropolis, Aomori prefecture. Oura Tamenobu, the primary feudal lord who dominated the world began the development in 1603. After his loss of life, the development was continued by Oura Nobuhira, his son who’s also called the second feudal lord till 1611. Though the unique essential tower (referred to as Tenshukaku in Japanese) was struck by lightning and sadly destroyed, it was reconstructed in the course of the Edo interval and stays in the present day. Designated as Nationwide Vital Cultural Property, it’s visited by numerous vacationers all 12 months spherical, particularly in spring when over 2,600 cherry blossoms on the fort floor bloom!
Opening Hours
9am – 5pm (Apr. – 23 Nov.), 7am – 9pm (23 Apr. – 5 Could for the sakura season)
※Closed from 24 Nov. by way of the tip of Mar.
Admissions ¥320 (Adults) ¥100 (Youngsters)
The way to get there: From JR Hirosaki station, takes about 10 min by automotive/taxi. It’s also possible to take a bus there from the station.
5. Inuyama Citadel
Together with Nagoya Citadel, Inuyama Citadel is a symbolic fort in Aichi prefecture. It stands on a small hillside overlooking the Kiso river working by the prefectural border between Aichi and Gifu. The environment boast a loads of nature and permit guests to take a refreshing stroll alongside the pathway alongside the river. The fort city close by is filled with Japanese conventional buildings that are well-preserved. Lately, it has been attracting a variety of vacationers as a preferred sightseeing spot the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in tasty dishes and discover small presents as nicely.
Opening Hours
9am – 5pm
Admissions ¥550 (Adults) ¥110 (elementary/ junior highschool college students)
The way to get there: From JR Inuyama station, it’s only a 20min stroll to achieve the fort and surrounding space.
6. Kōchi Citadel
Situated on the coronary heart of Kochi metropolis, Kochi Citadel has been cherished as a landmark representing the ability and prosperity of the Yamauchi household, who dominated over the area in the course of the Edo interval. The development was initially began by Yamauchi Kazutoyo, the primary lord of the Tosa clan (outdated title for Kochi) in 1601. Though a lot of the buildings have been by chance burned down by hearth in 1727, they have been reconstructed later and a few of them survived over intervals and stand there even in the present day. The primary maintain stays in an ideal situation, which makes it excellent among the many 12 unique castles. That is additionally the one place the place you’ll be able to take a photograph of each the Otemon Gate, the primary entrance gate, and the fort tower altogether!
Opening Hours
9am – 5pm
Admissions ¥420 (Adults 18+)
※Admission free for beneath 18 years outdated
The way to get there: From JR Kochi station, take a metropolis bus or tram and get off at “Kochi Citadel-mae” cease.
7. Marugame Citadel
Standing on a 66-meter hillside, Marugame Citadel is thought for the stone partitions acknowledged as the best ones in Japan. The origin of the fort dates again about 400 years in the past, when Ikoma Chikamasa began the development as his subsidiary fort in 1597. It’s a typical Hirayama-style fort which mixes the design and architectural model of each Yamajiro-style and Hirajiro-style. The fort grounds are surrounded by moats which performed a task to guard the fort from assaults. The symbolic stone partitions are claimed as a masterpiece of probably the most superior strategies in the course of the early Edo interval. As the scale and form of stones used for every wall is totally different, you’ll be able to take pleasure in evaluating the small print of partitions as you discover the fort grounds!
Opening Hours
9am – 4:30pm
Admissions ¥400 (Adults) Free (elementary/ junior highschool college students)
The way to get there: From JR Marugame station, it’s a couple of 10min stroll to get to the fort.
8. Maruoka Citadel
Maruoka Citadel is the one fort that also has the unique construction within the Hokuriku area. It’s been nicknamed “The Misty Citadel” because of a historical past of being cloaked in fog when enemies would method. Though a lot of the fort was demolished in 1871 within the strategy of westernization applied by the Meiji authorities, after which once more after a serious earthquake, the primary tower survived and is designated as Vital Cultural Property. The fort was additionally rebuilt utilizing its unique supplies. Over 400 cherry blossoms welcome guests in spring and supply a wide ranging view that’s illuminated at evening as nicely!
Opening Hours
8:30am – 5pm
Admissions ¥450 (Adults) ¥150 (Youngsters)
The way to get there: From JR Maruoka station, take the “Keifuku Bus” and get off at Maruoka Bus Terminal Cease.
9. Matsue Citadel
Matsue Citadel was in-built 1611 by Horio Yoshiharu and Horio Tadauji, who achieved a fantastic accomplishment on the battle of Sekigahara. They have been formally assigned to be accountable for the Oki and Izumo space which is at present a part of Shimane prefecture. They began to construct the fort in 1607, and it took virtually 5 years to finish the development. It’s among the many 5 unique castles that are designated as a Nationwide Treasure. From the highest ground of the primary tower, there’s a panoramic view of Matsue metropolis. Despite the distant location, it fascinates a variety of guests with the highly effective black facade that provides you a very totally different impression than different castles!
Opening Hours
8:30am – 6:30pm (Apr. – Sep.), 8:30am – 5pm (Oct. – Mar.)
Admissions ¥680 (Adults) ¥290 (Youngsters)
The way to get there: From JR Matsue station, take the “Lake Line Bus” and get off on the Ote-mae Cease.
10. Matsumoto Citadel
Matsumoto Citadel is among the most well-known unique castles situated in Nagano prefecture. The historical past dates again to the 16th century, and has been cherished as an iconic landmark in Matsumoto metropolis by native folks. The five-story essential tower is taken into account to be constructed in the course of the Azuchi Momoyama to the Edo interval, and designated as Nationwide Treasure together with different 4 castles akin to Himeji Citadel in Hyogo and Inuyama Citadel in Aichi. The black and white exterior creates a shocking view with the pure environment and the Northern Japan Alps within the background!
Opening Hours
8:30am – 5pm
Admissions ¥700 (Adults) ¥300 (elementary/ junior highschool college students)
The way to get there: From JR Matsumoto station, take an area bus and get off at “Matsumoto Citadel/ Metropolis Corridor-mae Cease”.
11. Matsuyama Citadel (Iyo)
Matsuyama Citadel is situated within the middle of the Matsuyama metropolis in Ehime prefecture. It’s a typical Hirayama-style fort standing on a 132-meter-tall hill referred to as Katsuyama. There was once round 40 historic buildings, and 21 of them stay and are designated as Vital Cultural Property. The development was began by Kato Yoshiaki in 1602, and it took virtually 1 / 4 of a century to lastly full. The fort is accessible solely by ropeway or chair raise, which takes you from the bottom of the hill as much as the highest the place the primary maintain stands. Benefit from the beautiful view from the highest ground of the fort overlooking Matsuyama metropolis and the encompassing nature!
Opening Hours
9am-5:00pm, 9am-5:30pm (Aug.), 9am-4:30pm (Dec.-Jan.)
※Varies relying on season
Admissions ¥520 (Adults) ¥160 (Youngsters)
※must buy spherical journey tickets for ropeway or chair raise individually.
The way to get there: From JR Matsuyama station, take a metropolis tram sure for “Dogo-onsen” and get off at “Okaido Cease”.
12. Uwajima Citadel
Uwajima Citadel is one other unique fort you could go to in Ehime prefecture. Though it’s comparatively small in comparison with Matsuyama fort, it’s stunning look fascinates vacationers with the scenic environment all 12 months spherical. It was initially designed by Todo Takatora, a well-known lord who was concerned in constructing many castles constructed in the course of the Azuchi Momoyama to Edo intervals. It was later used as a residence and political middle for the Date household, who dominated the world by way of the Edo interval. Standing on an 80-meter-tall hillside, there may be a tremendous view of Uwajima metropolis with towering mountains and the ocean off within the distance!
Opening Hours
9am-5pm (Mar. – Oct.) 9am-4pm (Nov. – Feb.)
Admissions ¥200 (Adults) ¥160 (65 and older)
※Free admission for junior highschool college students and beneath
The way to get there: From JR Uwajima station, it’s a 15min stroll to the fort
Visiting outdated castles is among the most enjoyable methods to spend time whereas touring round Japan. Should you take a more in-depth take a look at the small print of every fort with a greater understanding of the historical past, you’ll understand the slight variations make them particular spots with distinctive options!
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