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.
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.
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!
Inuyama Castle is a National Treasure, and one of the oldest original castles still standing in Japan.
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!
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.
Ancient buildings almost always seem to come with a ghost story, and Japanese castles are no exception.
Two dozen LED-illuminated drones dance to 'shamisen' music above a sleeping Mount Fuji. Trust us—this is one you'll want to see.
The circuit around the Tokyo Imperial Palace is almost exactly 5 kilometers long, making it an excellent running course with a spectacular view.