Time Travel in Kitakyushu
The varied history of this port town has endowed it with a unique combination of ancient castles, modern gardens, and elegant turn-of-the-century architecture.
Japan's 5 Greatest Castle Ruins
Just because these castles are ruined doesn't mean they aren't spectacular!
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The immaculately preserved Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is recognized as one of the most charming merchant’s quarters in all Japan. Located in Okayama Prefecture, local museums also feature masterpieces by El Greco, Monet and Picasso.
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!
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!
Key Castle Vocabulary
Don't know a 'tenshu' from a 'hori'? We're here to help!
The Ise-Shima G7 Summit Regions
10 cities around the country were selected to host ministerial meetings surrounding the 2016 G7 Summit in Ise-Shima. From education to IT and agriculture, each was selected for a very specific reason!
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.
Tour Ise-Shima with the KINTETSU RAIL PASS
While the Ise-Shima area is best known for Ise Jingu, the area also offers picturesque scenery and gourmet food. And you can access this resort region easily from Osaka using the KINTETSU RAIL PASS!
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!
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.
10 Things You Didn't Know About Geisha
Have you ever wondered why geisha paint their face white, or who dresses a geisha? Well, be prepared to drop some knowledge on your friends about the whimsical world of geisha.
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!
Treasures on Land, Riches from the Sea
Studded with small bays and inlets, the peninsula known as Ise-Shima—the venue for the 2016 G7 Summit—is a utopia for those seeking a glimpse of classical Japan, from the expansive environs of the sacred shrine of Ise Jingu to the bounty of the ocean.
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.
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!
The 'Combini' in the Castle
Exploring a castle can be thirsty work. So why should you have to leave the grounds when you want to recharge with a cool drink or a tasty snack?
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.
Inuyama Castle: King of the Hilltop
Inuyama Castle is a National Treasure, and one of the oldest original castles still standing in Japan.
4 Beautiful Castles Home to Terrible Ghosts
Ancient buildings almost always seem to come with a ghost story, and Japanese castles are no exception.
