Japanese Castles are elegant, aesthetic structures serving as reminders of the glorious and often strife
laden history of Japan. While originally as hardy stone and mortar structures,
castles in Japan were intended to serve as protective keeps and fortresses, but later
Japanese castles were marvels of architecture and elegance.
In the 15 th century, in the Sengoku Jidai era when all Japanese states were involved in a Civil War conflict, innumerable small fortresses and castles in Japan were built in strategic locations to defend individual villages and towns. Later more elaborate buildings were conceived of as homes for the Daimyo or the feudal lord. These later castles in Japan were built to impress the power and wealth of the Daimyo, upon both his rivals and his minions. The legendary Oda Nobunaga, a powerful daimyo, built one of these opulent castles at Azuchi in 1576. Built on the plains, with elegant towers and keeps, these new palace like castles were replicated with greater or lesser success in many areas.
As centers of military power and administrative headquarters, these Japanese Castles gradually gained in importance and often became the center of castle towns. The typical construction of castles in Japan include three lines of defence. Created in concentric rings, the outer ring is called the Sannomaru, the second ring is called the Ninomaru and the inner ring is the Honmaru. The main tower or Tenshukaku, stood in the Honmaru, while the living accomodations were in the Ninomaru. The guard towers or Yagura were located in the outer circle.
The Meiji Period and the bombing during the Second World War brought about the destruction of many Japanese Castles and only a few of the marvelous structures survive. The few that remain serve as reminders of the glorious past.
Some of the best architectural influences on Japanese Castles can be seen at-
- The Edo Castle at the site of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
- The Nijo Castle at Kyoto
- The Kanazawa Castle and the Ishikawa Gate at Kanagawa
- The Takamatsu Castle Ruins
