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Japan takes actually excellent care of its historic locations—and it rebuilds them painstakingly if obligatory. That is clearly a great factor, for a complete host of causes. (I imply, aside from the truth that it took 10 years to revive the Rinno-ji Treasure Home in Nikko.)
Certainly, many vacationers are shocked to know that solely a dozen of Japan’s tons of of feudal castles retain their unique tenshu, or preserve. The remaining had been destroyed throughout the Meiji Restoration (extra on that in a second), and rebuilt since then.
I’m spotlighting the 12 unique castles left in Japan not as a result of the others aren’t value visiting—a number of the fakes are arguably much more spectacular than the true ones. Certainly, it might be inconceivable for most individuals to know if somebody like me didn’t inform them!
What’s an “Unique” Fort in Japan?
In easy phrases, an “unique” fortress is one whose central preserve (tenshu, in Japanese) has not been reconstructed. Word that different elements of a given fortress could also be (and, in nearly all circumstances, have been) reconstructed, in some circumstances considerably. Nevertheless, if the tenshu survived the Meiji Restoration (whereby authorities destroyed the buildings with a purpose to implement the tip of the feudal han system), it’s nonetheless thought-about unique.
As I’ll clarify in a couple of paragraphs, simply because a fortress will not be unique doesn’t imply it isn’t value visiting. For instance, many vacationers keep in cities like Osaka, because of top-rated luxurious lodge promotions in America, and the variety of US-branded resorts there. The excellent news? Osaka Fort is putting, despite having been re-built. The higher information? It’s straightforward to go to a number of unique castles as day journeys from Osaka, regardless.
The 12 Unique Castles Left in Japan
Uwajima Fort, Ehime
Constructed across the flip of the seventeenth century by a clan related to high-powered warlord Date Masamune, the story of tiny Uwajima Fort belies its unimposing construction. Nonetheless, despite being the smallest unique fortress in Japan, the truth that it’s perched atop a mountain overlooking the Seto Inland Sea does give it some obligatory drama. It’s most simply accessible from the town of Matsuyama, additionally on Shikoku island.
Matsuyama Fort, Ehime
Talking of Matsuyama, one other contender for greatest Japanese fortress is the town’s personal Matsuyama Fort. Although constructed throughout an analogous interval, it’s bigger and fewer refined than Uwajima-jo; it provides comparable sea views, that are particularly spectacular at sundown. To get right here, merely stroll quarter-hour or take the Masuyama Fort Ropeway, which is itself simply steps from the Okaido tram cease.
Kochi Fort, Kochi
The third of Japan’s 12 unique castles on Shikoku island, Kochi Fort is true within the middle of Kochi metropolis, similar to Matsuyama’s namesake fortress. I particularly like viewing this fortress, which was inbuilt 1601, from the Kochi Fort Museum throughout the road. Do observe that getting right here requires a couple of 30-minute stroll from Kochi Station, assuming you don’t simply trip a streetcar.
Marugame Fort, Kagawa
Spherical out the whopping 4 (of 12 Japanese castles) yow will discover on assuming Shikoku island, Marugame Fort might be my sleeper favourite, its comparatively tenshu perched atop a multi-tiered platform that’s nothing if not intimidating. Sit down on the town for a bowl of sanuki udon earlier than or after your go to right here, or in conjunction (assuming you could have a rental automotive) with close by points of interest like Mt. Shiude and Chichibu-ga-hama seaside.
Bitchu-Matsuyama Fort, Okayama
Don’t be distracted by the seemingly soiled identify of this hilltop fortress in rural Okayama prefecture, nor by the truth that it additionally has “Matsuyama” in it. Do take into account that Bitchu-Matsuyama-jo (whose present preserve dates to 1683) is among the many most troublesome of Japan’s unique castles to succeed in, requiring a taxi or 45-minute hike from Bitchu-Takahashi Station, which is itself nearly an hour from the middle of Okayama metropolis.
Matsue Fort, Shimane
Persevering with up the JR Hakubi Line from right here (ideally, on a speedy Yakumo Restricted Specific prepare) will finally take you to Matsue. The truth that the town is underrated however, Matsue Fort is a complete magnificence. It’s surrounded by moats, and by towering pine forests that give it’s identify (matsu/松 means “pine.”). It additionally tends to be among the many least-crowded of Japan’s unique castles, since few vacationers come to this a part of the nation.
Himeji Fort, Hyogo
However, Himeji Fort might be the most-visited unique Japanese fortress, to the extent that native authorities are pondering a several-fold improve within the admission price. Don’t let that put you off visiting this fortress, nevertheless—it’s by far probably the most spectacular in Japan, and retains a lot of the construction as initially inbuilt 1609. Even higher, it’s simply quarter-hour north of Himeji Station (a handy Shinkansen hub) on foot.
Hikone Fort, Shiga
Need to go to an unique fortress from Kyoto, however can’t take care of crowds? Experience a Maibara-bound Particular Speedy prepare from Kyoto Station to Hikone Station, then stroll westward to Hikone Fort. Perched on the shores of Lake Biwa, this spectacular construction isn’t practically as common accurately, which is nice for vacationers who make the journey. I particularly like coming right here in autumn.
Maruoka Fort, Fukui
Probably the most genuine Japanese fortress close to the north-central coast of Japan, in the meantime, is Maruoka Fort in Fukui. It’s an oldie—it was inbuilt 1576—however a goodie, with a stupendous dark-toned tenshu that appears superb in all seasons. It’s most typical to return right here on a day journey from Kanazawa, although I like to recommend renting a automotive to keep away from a protracted stroll from Maruoka Station, or a fair longer bus trip from Fukui Station.
Inuyama Fort, Aichi
An unassuming fortress positioned north of unassuming Nagoya, Inuyama Fort hides a secret in plain sight: With a tenshu that dates all the best way again to 1440, it’s the oldest of the unique Japanese castles. My favourite time to return right here is in early April when, in most years, peak sakura bloom corresponds with the Inuyama Spring Pageant, and all its floats and pageantry. Get right here by using a Meitetsu prepare from Meitetsu-Nagoya Station.
Matsumoto Fort, Nagano
Usually contrasted with Himeji Fort (which is also referred to as “Heron Fort,” on account of its white facade), Matsumoto Fort (or “Crow Fort,” on account of its black one) is the one unique fortress within the Japanese Alps. It’s more and more common, because it’s simply quarter-hour on foot from Matsumoto Station, a obligatory waypoint en path to the Kamikochi Valley, Nakasendo Means and different Alpine outside locations.
Hirosaki Fort, Aomori
The northernmost of Japan’s unique castles, Hirosaki Fort is the one one positioned within the Tohoku area. It’s most well-known for the “petal moat” left within the wake of falling sakura flowers within the spring, although I discover this selection much less interesting within the wake of the principle tenshu having been moved within the mid-2010s. Certainly, winter’s heavy snowfall is a singular time to understand this extremely under-appreciated fortress.
The Finest Non-Unique Castles in Japan
As I discussed earlier, Osaka Fort is a wonderful one to go to, although it’s a concrete reconstruction. Listed below are a few of my different favourite non-original castles in Japan:
- Kitsuki Fort: Japan’s smallest fortress, this fortress is perched above the city of the identical identify on Kyushu’s underrated Kunisaki Peninsula.
- Kumamoto Fort: One other entrant from Kyushu, Kumamoto-jo is notable for the reconstruction work achieved because it was practically destroyed in a 2016 earthquake.
- Kanazawa Fort: Most guests to the hub of Hokuriku ignore its fortress for the superlative Kenroku-en backyard, positioned throughout the road. However the fortress is attractive, particularly throughout sakura season.
- Nijo Fort: A novel “flatland fortress” with “creaking” flooring, it is a excellent place to cease en route between Kyoto’s Higashiyama and Arashiyama districts.
- Matsumae Fort: That is Hokkaido’s solely surviving fortress, and the most effective locations on Japan’s northernmost island to see cherry blossoms.
As you may see, unique castles in Japan aren’t the one ones value visiting. The architects of the Meiji Restoration should be rolling over of their graves!
Different FAQ In regards to the 12 Unique Castles Left in Japan
What number of Japanese castles are unique?
Out of greater than 200 identified castles in Japan, simply 12 are “unique.” In different phrases, their central tenshu (preserve) survived destruction throughout the Meiji Restoration. Word that despite this, a Japanese fortress needn’t be unique with a purpose to be visually beautiful or value visiting.
Which is the oldest fortress in Japan?
Building on Aichi prefecture’s Inuyama Fort began in 1440, making it the oldest surviving fortress in Japan. Inuyama is positioned lower than an hour from Nagoya, and makes for a wonderful day journey from the town, which is itself some of the underrated in Japan.
What’s the most genuine fortress in Japan?
With an enormous construction that’s without delay elegant and imposing—and, in fact, an intact tenshu—Hyogo prefecture’s Himeji Fort is usually acknowledged as being probably the most genuine in Japan. Take a day journey right here from Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe to get a really feel for what Japan should’ve been like throughout feudal occasions.
The Backside Line
Spoiler alert: It’ll take you a few years to go to the entire 12 unique castles left in Japan, assuming that is even your purpose. If it’s not—and for many of you, it most likely isn’t—then I hope my information will serve primarily that can assist you determine which Japanese castles are most worthy of your time. For some vacationers, taking a day journey from Kyoto or Osaka to Himeji Fort will probably be enough. In different circumstances, you’ll need to go actually off the overwhelmed path, whether or not on underrated Shikoku island, or in lesser-visited areas like San’in and Tohoku. Want personalised assist placing your Japanese fortress quest collectively? Fee a customized Japan itinerary immediately!
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