CASTLE
Matsumoto Castle ©︎ Makoto Murasawa
CASTLE
Japan has a rich feudal history, rife with warfare and tales of samurai and ninja. This history lead to the development of Japanese castles in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The samurais and lords chose the most strategic positions in Japan for their mighty fortresses. Furthermore, the builders of the time added ingenious features to aid protection. Towns later grew around these castles and still remain today, like Kawagoe, Shizuoka. While original castles remain (such as Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle), many others have been rebuilt after disaster or war. Visitors to Japan can step back in time and experience feudal life in one of the many castles. If you’d like more information about some of the most fascinating and beautiful castles in Japan, read on.