All About Japan

7 Incredible Events at Japanese Castles

The castles dotting Japan's landscape no longer host battles and political upheavals, but they're not boring relics. Many were the backdrop to some pretty unbelievable stories!

Top 6 Castles Around Tokyo

These six castles, all easily accessible from the Tokyo area, are more than enough to slake your thirst for the days of the samurai.

Spend a Night in a Historic House

Built to withstand and even take advantage of their environment, these singulse structures known as gassho-zukuri can only be found in two villages in Japan. So why not spend the night in a UNESCO-recognized farmhouse?

Takeda Castle Appears to Float in the Sky

Want to see a real castle in the sky? Look no further than Hyogo.

Amazing Aerial Video of Western Japan

Discover Western Japan as you have never seen it before from a breathtaking birds-eye view!

How to Ninja-Proof Your Castle

Ninja and other assassins were a serious problem for high-ranking officials and royalty back in the day. Here we take a look at how they managed to thwart these silent killers.

Jogging the Tokyo Imperial Palace

The circuit around the Tokyo Imperial Palace is almost exactly 5 kilometers long, making it an excellent running course with a spectacular view.

7 Awesome Japanese Castles Made of Lego

While there have only been a few official Japanese-style Lego castles, brick fans have been more than happy to do the rest!

A Historical Walk Through Japanese Tea

Take a stroll through Kyoto’s Yamashiro region, the historical nexus of Japanese tea production, with a history dating back some 800 years.

List: Japan's 12 Original-Construction Castles

While Japan is home to over 300 castles, there are only 12 that still retain their original castle keep. These 12 so-called 'original construction' castles are the cream of the crop.

Himeji Castle Reborn

In March 2015, Himeji Castle completed its first major renovation in 50 years, leading it to be reborn in resplendent white befitting of the "White Heron Castle."

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.

5 Instagram-Worthy Castles for Every Season

Winter, spring, summer or fall, you'll fall in love with these sites, and snap a photo as you do!

The 5 Castles of Okinawa

Okinawa's castles bear testament to the three kingdoms that fought to dominate the island chain in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Gazing Across the Sea into Japan’s Past

Two castles peer out into the sea from Saga Prefecture’s picturesque coastal city of Karatsu.

Hakodate: Gateway to the Northern Island

Now connected to Japan's main island by Shinkansen, Hakodate offers a scenic waterfront, historic buildings, a star-shaped fort—and one of the three greatest night views in Japan!

A Guided Tour of Chiba's 12 Castles

Forget Tokyo Disneyland—Chiba has a dozen castles and ruins waiting to be discovered!

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.

Superfly Rocks Osaka Castle

Watch an amazing vocal performance of 'Beautiful' by Japanese rock act Superfly—with full 360-degree views at Osaka Castle's Nishinomaru Garden!

Castles, Gardens & Peach Boys—Oh My!

From Okayama Castle's rare black walls to the charms of Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, there's plenty to see and do in Okayama.

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