Autumn colours at Ōzu Castle.
The Tatsumi Turret of Akashi Castle.
An ever-watchful Shachi atop a former gate of Masutomi Castle.
The rustic & cheerful keep of Uwajima Castle.
The graceful lines of an Akashi Castle turret.
Gaurdian of the moat, the Inui Turret of Ōsaka Castle.
Odawara Castle at twilight.
Interior of the rebuilt palace of Kumamoto Castle.
The finer details of Matsyama Castle.
Akizuki remnants.
Karatsu
Hello, welcome
It was August 23rd, 2001, when I first visited a Japanese castle. It was like nothing I'd ever seen. But, I very much liked what I saw.
In the eleven years since then, I have travelled to all but the northern regions of Japan to explore these fascinating, historical sites. This website is a record of my visits and of my passion for Japan's castles.
... and thank you
This site is dedicated to a great many people. First, my family who put up with me travelling about then sitting at a computer for hours making this site. And, to everyone who has taken an interest, mentioned, recommended, encouraged, questioned, emailed; a big thank you to you.
So, where to next?
Below are some suggestions, but the map, the castle list or the blog are good places to start too. Happy exploring!| Top-5 Hilltop Castles | |
| 1 | Himeji Castle |
| 2 | Matsuyama Castle |
| 3 | Kumamoto Castle |
| 4 | Hikone Castle |
| 5 | Kanazawa Castle |
| Top-5 Flatland Castles | |
| 1 | Nijō Castle |
| 2 | Matsumoto Castle |
| 3 | Ōsaka Castle |
| 4 | Edo Castle |
| 5 | Nagoya Castle |
| Top-5 Mountain Castles | |
| 1 | Bitchū Matsuyama Castle |
| 2 | Oka Castle |
| 3 | Tsuwano Castle |
| 4 | Ōno Castle |
| 5 | Sashiki Castle |
| Top-10 Virtual tours | |
| 1 | Nijō Castle |
| 2 | Nagoya Castle |
| 3 | Kumamoto Castle |
| 4 | Aizu Wakamatsu Castle |
| 5 | Himeji Castle |
| 6 | Inuyama Castle |
| 7 | Hiroshima Castle |
| 8 | Shōryūji Castle |
| 9 | Kishiwada Castle |
| 10 | Shibata Castle |
