There were about 300 castles in Japan in the golden age of the Edo period, but most of them were destroyed at the end of the 19th century when Japan’s modernization started. Because the castles were regarded as a symbol of the feudal age. Only 12 castles including this castle in Japan, accordingly, still survive. The castle tower with 21 affiliated buildings of the castle still remain intact and are designated as important cultural properties. In addition, other 22 buildings were rebuilt thereafter following the original design, so the external appearance of the entire castle may show the original distant view. The main enclosure on the top of the hill and the secondary enclosure as well as the outermost enclosure at the foot of the hill had been built at the beginning of the 17th century taking 25 years. As Japan was not completely pacified at that time, the castle was designed putting importance on a defense against actual enemy attack. A variety of defensive structures such as the moats, earthwork, elaborate stone walls and twisting passages with many gates to the main enclosure are still found. It is said that the defensive power of the castle is better than well-known Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture.
Jason Hurdy
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