Japan's 12 Best Keepless Castles
These castles may not have keeps, but many of them are much older than any of Japan's so-called "original construction" castles.
9 Castles to Hit in Hyogo after Himeji
What do you do once you've seen the big attraction and still want more castle action? We've got nine answers right here!
Inuyama Castle: King of the Hilltop
Inuyama Castle is a National Treasure, and one of the oldest original castles still standing in Japan.
Japan's Top 11 Reconstructed Castles
Like a phoenix rising from the flames, so too have these restored beauties come back to life to prosper again on our list of the best reconstructed castles across Japan.
How to Find the Remains of Zeze Castle
Many castles in Japan are easy to find, as they are official landmarks treasured by the country. However, there are also some hidden gems that are less frequently visited, but worth the venture if you know where to find them!
4 Beautiful Castles Home to Terrible Ghosts
Ancient buildings almost always seem to come with a ghost story, and Japanese castles are no exception.
Japan's Top 5 Otaku Shopping Spots
If you're looking for anime, manga or cosplay merchandise, these are the places to check!
10 Iconic Japanese Gods
Between its traditions of Shinto and Buddhism, Japan has a rich pantheon of gods and goddesses. Here are 10 that you're likely to encounter while shrine and temple hopping around the country!
Japan’s Three Famous Castles
Called 'sanmeijo' in Japanese, the three castles on this list have been chosen based on their significance to history and culture, as well as their scale and grandeur.
All About the World Cosplay Summit
The World Cosplay Summit began in 2003, with countries sending the winners of their respective qualifying tournaments to Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture. The biggest cosplay event on the globe, the Summit is where the world’s top cosplayers are crowned.
The 4 Forts & Castles of Hokkaido
Hokkaido has only one castle; the rest of its fortifications are actually relatively modern forts. And in the late 1860s, they were the site of the last hurrah of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Key Castle Vocabulary
Don't know a 'tenshu' from a 'hori'? We're here to help!
16 Splendid Shikoku Castles
The island of Shikoku may be small, but who would've guessed it once contained 16 amazing castles, all in various shapes and forms!
Japan's 5 Greatest Castle Ruins
Just because these castles are ruined doesn't mean they aren't spectacular!
How to Do Tokyo Disney Like a Pro!
Tokyo Disneyland Greater Tokyo
Want to make the most of your time at Tokyo Disneyland? Follow these six tips and you'll be navigating the park like nobody's business!
Top 10 Castles in Tohoku
Spared many of the fierce territorial battles of the Warring States Period, the castles of northeastern Japan are a little different from those you'll find to the south and west.
Japanese Castles — A Backpacker’s Guide
Check out an interview with Julien Mentzer as he discusses how his book, 'Japanese Castles – A Backpacker’s Guide,' can help you discover all the castle treasures of Japan.
Twinkle, Twinkle Little Drones
Two dozen LED-illuminated drones dance to 'shamisen' music above a sleeping Mount Fuji. Trust us—this is one you'll want to see.
6 Travel Goods You Can Find at a ¥100 Shop
You can purchase one (or all) of these six practical travel items, each for less than a buck!
Japan's 3 Great Mountain Castles
Prior to the Warring States Period (1467-1590), most castles in Japan were 'yamajiro,' or mountain castles, and they were the pinnacle of defense for Japan's clashing warlords. Trek into the countryside to find out more about them!
