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Introducing the knowledge, history, and culture of Japanese castles.
A yagura-mon is a tower gate with a turret built above the entrance—the most prestigious gate in Japanese castles. Learn its structure with examples from Himeji, Obi, Kanazawa, and Edo castles.
Japanese castles are classified into five major types based on their surrounding terrain: Hirajiro (flatland castles), Hirayamajiro (hilltop castles), Yamajiro (mountain castles), Mizujiro (coastal water castles), and Kojo (lake castles). This guide explains their characteristics and notable examples.
Discover the 12 Original Castles in Japan that have survived since the pre-Edo period without major reconstruction. These authentic castle towers are living history and national treasures.
Learn about otemon, the main gates of Japanese castles. Discover how these gates served as symbols of prestige while also forming a defensive system with masugata enclosures and yaguramon towers.
Masugata koguchi is a square-shaped gate defense found at Japanese castle entrances. Learn how this "ultimate gate" structure slowed enemies and enabled attacks from three sides.
Discover why most Japanese castles vanished after the Meiji Restoration. Learn about the Castle Abolition Order and the efforts to preserve Japan’s historic fortresses.