Full Version: Japanese Castles
How many Japanese castles are there that are still intact? any pictures? i only know of the Himeji castle.
Nagoya Castle:
Nagoya Castle was built in the beginning of the Edo Period for one of the three Tokugawa family branches, the Owari. Consequently, Nagoya developed into an important castle town and ultimately Japan's fourth largest city.
The castle was almost completely destroyed in the air raids of World War II. The current ferro-concrete reconstruction dates from 1959
Nagoya Castle was built in the beginning of the Edo Period for one of the three Tokugawa family branches, the Owari. Consequently, Nagoya developed into an important castle town and ultimately Japan's fourth largest city.
The castle was almost completely destroyed in the air raids of World War II. The current ferro-concrete reconstruction dates from 1959
Osaka Castle:
Having succeeded in unifying all of Japan, Hideyoshi Toyotomi set to work on the construction of his castle in 1573. By 1585, the monstrous castle with its Main Tower had been completed.
Having seen a reconstruction of the soaring Main Tower in 1931 and extensive improvements in 1997, the current castle has been returned to its former brilliant glory. As the symbol of Osaka, visitors from throughout Japan and the world come to see the magnificent Osaka Castle.
Having succeeded in unifying all of Japan, Hideyoshi Toyotomi set to work on the construction of his castle in 1573. By 1585, the monstrous castle with its Main Tower had been completed.
Having seen a reconstruction of the soaring Main Tower in 1931 and extensive improvements in 1997, the current castle has been returned to its former brilliant glory. As the symbol of Osaka, visitors from throughout Japan and the world come to see the magnificent Osaka Castle.
I might want to see the castles... my uncle wanted to take me to Japan this summer, but how the hell would I communicate. Anyway, they're all nice looking.
-Norm
-Norm
Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama Castle (Matsuyamajo) is considered one of the most beautiful of Japan's few remaining original castles. Situated on a steep, but flat topped hill, the castle is one of only three Japanese castles with multiple wings.
Matsuyamajo was constructed from 1602 to 1628. In 1635 the castle was assigned to a branch of the Matsudaira family, relatives of the Tokugawa, and remained in their hands until the end of the feudal era. The current three storied castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one was destroyed by lightening.
Matsuyama Castle (Matsuyamajo) is considered one of the most beautiful of Japan's few remaining original castles. Situated on a steep, but flat topped hill, the castle is one of only three Japanese castles with multiple wings.
Matsuyamajo was constructed from 1602 to 1628. In 1635 the castle was assigned to a branch of the Matsudaira family, relatives of the Tokugawa, and remained in their hands until the end of the feudal era. The current three storied castle tower was constructed in 1820 after the original five storied one was destroyed by lightening.
Beautiful thread. The pics and the info are wonderful. Thanks!
Here's a link to a site that describes more or less all 50-ish castles in Japan today
http://www.jcastle.info/cgi-bin/Top
I've only had the pleasure of seeing three of these myself. Edo castle in Tokyo (where the Imperial family lives), Morioka Castle from Morioka; the largest city of my mother's native home of Iwate, and Hiroshima Castle a reconstruction of the castle after the nuke hit in wwII.
I'd love to visit one of the more restored castles if I ever have the time.
http://www.jcastle.info/cgi-bin/Top
I've only had the pleasure of seeing three of these myself. Edo castle in Tokyo (where the Imperial family lives), Morioka Castle from Morioka; the largest city of my mother's native home of Iwate, and Hiroshima Castle a reconstruction of the castle after the nuke hit in wwII.
I'd love to visit one of the more restored castles if I ever have the time.
oh my god thos are breathtaking!
Wow. Those are wonderful pics and info! thanks a lot. There are around 50!!?? wow i was thinkning there were only like 10 or 15 of them. anyways, great pictures 
.
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Most of the castles are on Honshu, except for the Matsumae clan's castle on Hokkaido, and some on Kyushu and Okinawa.
QUOTE (WhoAmI @ Feb 29 2004, 07:31 PM)
Wow. Those are wonderful pics and info! thanks a lot. There are around 50!!?? wow i was thinkning there were only like 10 or 15 of them. anyways, great pictures .
.Actually, there were about 3000 castles or 'jo' built from the Warring States to the first half of the Edo period. Or about the time Tokugawa Ieyaseu. To consolidate his power, Ieyasu ordered most of them dismantled. I think I read somewhere that the number was about 180 or so. Then during the Meiji restoration after the fall of the Bakufu the government ordered most of those 180 remaining dismantled. A shame yes, but this was when the samurai culture collapsed and the people of Japan wanted to rid themselves of reminders of feudal life. WWII also saw a few of them destroyed as the Imperialists were using them as military bases.
Next time I go back to Japan as a tourist as opposed to visiting family, I'll be sure to hit Kyoto. The Nijo-jo there, I hear is a magnificent example of Edo style architecture. This is Ieyasu's own place of residence in the old capital of Kyoto.
WOW, marvellous castles,
so different from our in Italy,
but so beautiful!!
so different from our in Italy,
but so beautiful!!
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, also called Shirasagijo (White Heron Castle) due to its white outer walls, is the best preserved castle in all of Japan. It serves as a classic example of Japanese castle architecture, having been designated a national treasure in 1931. In 1992 Himeji Castle was recognised by UNESCO as a building of world significance and was added to the World Heritage list. Incorporating both strategic design as well as a very conscious awareness of space, it functions as a military command, a center for political life, and as a monument to the glories of an earlier age.
Ah yes Himeji Castle. thats the one i heard of.
Wow that was a lot of castles!
QUOTE (Hiroki)
Actually, there were about 3000 castles or 'jo' built from the Warring States to the first half of the Edo period. Or about the time Tokugawa Ieyaseu. To consolidate his power, Ieyasu ordered most of them dismantled. I think I read somewhere that the number was about 180 or so. Then during the Meiji restoration after the fall of the Bakufu the government ordered most of those 180 remaining dismantled. A shame yes, but this was when the samurai culture collapsed and the people of Japan wanted to rid themselves of reminders of feudal life. WWII also saw a few of them destroyed as the Imperialists were using them as military bases.
Next time I go back to Japan as a tourist as opposed to visiting family, I'll be sure to hit Kyoto. The Nijo-jo there, I hear is a magnificent example of Edo style architecture. This is Ieyasu's own place of residence in the old capital of Kyoto.
Next time I go back to Japan as a tourist as opposed to visiting family, I'll be sure to hit Kyoto. The Nijo-jo there, I hear is a magnificent example of Edo style architecture. This is Ieyasu's own place of residence in the old capital of Kyoto.
Wow that was a lot of castles!
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