Japan's Castles were built from mid 15th to 17th century for military purpose and to control the strategic areas. The construction of Azuchi castle from 1576 to 1579 changed the use of castles to become the political, cultural and economic centres for the region that military lords control. The castles was also used as homes for the military lords, his family and followers.
There are around 5000 in ancient times.
In 2006, the Japanese Castle Foundation developed a list of Japan's Top 100 castles. Below is the list of 20 of the Japanese castles.
There are now 12 original castles in Japan. Others had been reconstructed while the rest are castle ruins.
The Tokugawa shotgunate started to limit one castle to each province and ban the building of new ones. The rest castles were destroyed in wars, or dismantled. Some castles were reconstructed after WWII.
1 of 12 castles wth original tenshu (keeps) in Japan.
Marugama Castle
The castle has the largest castle mount in Japan formed by a man make hill more than 50m high.
Kochi Castle
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Kochi Castle
One of the few original castles in Japan.
Kochi Castle
One of the few original castles in Japan.
Kochi Castle Trick Gate
One of the few original castles in Japan.
Shurijo Castle
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Shurijo Castle Seiden, Shurijo Castle Park, Naha City
Okinawa Shurijo Castle Seiden, Shurijo Castle Park, Naha City
Houshinmon, Shurijo Castle Park, Naha City
Kankaimon, Shurijo Castle Park, Naha City
Sonohyan-utaki Stone Gate, Shurijo Castle Park, Naha City
Shureimon, Shurijo Castle Park, Naha City
Kokura Castle
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Kokura Castle
A reconstructed castle. The original castle was built in 1602 during the Edo period and destroyed in 1866.
Kumamoto Castle
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Kumamoto Castle
Okayama Castle
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City: Okayama
Prefecture: Okayama
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Okayama Castle
Saga Castle
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Ruins of Saga Castle
The remaining original castle gate. The orginal castle was destroyed in 1874.
Saga Castle History Museum
A reconstruction of the original castle and used as a museum now. It is Japan's largest wooden reconstructed castle.
Wayakama Castle
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Wayakama Castle and Ohashi Rouka Bridge
A reconstructed castle.
Wayakama Castle
A reconstructed castle.
Wayakama Castle
A reconstructed castle.
Wayakama Castle
A reconstructed castle.
Edo Castle
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City: Toyko
Prefecture: Tokyo
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Edo Castle
Fukui Castle Ruins
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City: Fukui
Prefecture: Fukui
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Fukui Castle Ruins
Kitanosho Castle Remains
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City: Fukui
Prefecture: Fukui
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Kitanosho Castle Remains
Komoro Castle Ruins
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City: Komoro
Prefecture: Nagano
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Komoro Castle Ruins
Takaoka Castle Ruins
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City: Nanto
Prefecture: Toyama
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Takaoka Castle Ruins
Nakijin Castle Ruins
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Nakijin Castle Ruins, Nago City
10 mins car ride from Ocean Expo Park.
Nakijin Castle Ruins, Nago City
10 mins car ride from Ocean Expo Park.
Nakijin Castle Ruins, Nago City
10 mins car ride from Ocean Expo Park.
Ueon Castle
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City: Iga Mie City
Prefecture: Mie
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Ueno Castle
Osaka Castle
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City: Osaka City
Prefecture: Osaka
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Osaka Castle
The castle played a key role in the reunification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century. It was first constructed in 1597. It was destroyed and reconstructed several times. Current castle was rebuilt in 1997.
