Edo Castle is classified as a flatland castle (its layout: Kakakushiki), and is located in Tōkyō. During the pre-modern age, it found itself within the borders of Musashi Province. It is associated with the Tokugawa clan. Dates in use: 1457 - 1868.

This was once the largest castle on Earth. It was home to the Shogun's who ruled Japan during the Edo period. Now just a few gates, turrets & guardhouses remain in addition to the extensive walls & moats. Throughout its entire history fires & bombing during WWII have seen the loss of the majority of the original buildings.

Timeline

1457	The Ota clan constructed a castle here.
1524	The Hōjō clan seized control of the castle from the Uesugi clan.
1590	Tokugawa Ieyasu became lord of the castle.
1592	The Nishinomaru enclosure was completed.
1606	The Honmaru, Ninomaru, Sannomaru and the outer enclosures were completed.
1607	The main tower & the Kitanomaru enclosure were completed.
1611	The Nishinomaru enclosure was extended.
1623	The main tower was rebuilt.
1624	The Nishinomaru Palace was renovated. It burnt to the ground 10 years later.
1629	Expansion of the castle commenced. It was completed 7 years later.
1639	The Honmaru Palace burnt down. It was rebuilt the following year.
1657	The main tower & the buildings of several enclosures burnt down.
1659	The Honmaru Palace & the Fujimi Turret were reconstructed.
1747	The Ninomaru Palace burnt down. It had been rebuilt just six years prior.
1838	The Nishinomaru Palace burnt down. It was rebuilt the following year.
1844	The Honmaru Palace burnt down. It was rebuilt the following year.
1852	The Nishinomaru Palace burnt down. It was then rebuilt.
1859	The Honmaru Palace burnt down. It was rebuilt the following year.
1863	The Nishinomaru & the Honmaru Palaces burnt down. The Nishinomaru Palace was rebuilt the following year.
1867	The Ninomaru Palace burnt down.
1923	The Fujimi Turret collapsed in an earthquake.
1945	The Ote Gate burnt down in WWII bombing.
1967	The Ote Gate was reconstructed.

Historical recognition

Site	Special National Historic Site
Soto Sakurada Gate	Important Cultural Property
Shimizu Gate	Important Cultural Property
Tayasu Gate	Important Cultural Property