7 Japanese Castles to Explore from Home

While fortifications have been built in Japan since the 8th century, many of those that remain today, such as Inuyama Castle in Aichi, date to the Heian Period (794–1185 CE). This era of Japanese history saw the rise of local lords and of the samurai warrior class.

Over time, these temporary military structures became permanent homes and acted as palaces. They became increasingly elaborate and decorated with ornamentation as the owners sought to show off their keen aesthetic sense as much as their military prowess.

Many castles continued to be used right up until the twentieth century, and some even played a part in the Second World War. The ruins of Zakimi Castle were turned into a gun emplacement by the Japanese army, and following the war, it became a US army radar station.

Himeji Castle is one of the few genuine historic artefacts. This castle has stood 700 years, surviving all wars and earthquakes that demolished many other structures. It is considered alongside Matsumoto Castle and Kumamoto Castle as one of the country's premier fortresses.