Japan boasts a rich and extensive history, with its Feudal Era standing out as one of the most fascinating periods. Japanese castles date back several centuries, to a time when regional clans divided the nation and frequently waged war for political, economic, and territorial dominance. These castles served as both military strongholds and residences for powerful warlords, carefully constructed in strategic locations to maximize defense using the natural terrain and available resources.

As you explore a Japanese castle today, you’ll notice countless subtle details designed for defense—winding, maze-like approach paths to slow down invaders, steep stone walls to prevent climbing, and strategically placed gates and turrets for surveillance and attack.

Sadly, many castles were lost in the late 1800s during the Meiji Restoration, when the government sought to modernize Japan and dismantle the remnants of the feudal system. Of the hundreds that once dotted the country, only 12 castles remain in their original form. The rest are either ruins or meticulous reconstructions based on historical records and original plans.