Unlocking the Secrets of Japanese Castles! Blog Tours by a Local Guide in Japan. Ready to Crack a Smile? If So, Visit Us!

1. Welcome to a virtual (imaginary) tour led by a local!

Since this is quite a long tour, we highly recommend that you join only the parts that interest you when you’re looking for a change of pace. Hopefully, this won’t turn into a long and wrong tour!❤

This blog dives into the fascinating world of Japanese castles, preserving the essence of the Warring States period. Unlike official sites that offer detailed and sophisticated explanations, this blog takes a more casual approach, guiding you through a virtual (imaginary) tour with a local perspective.

We’ll tackle common questions that often come up during castle visits, presenting each exhibit in an easy-to-follow and engaging manner.

👉 Note: If you’re looking for in-depth and detailed explanations, please refer to official websites or travel agency pages.

For foreign visitors, business guests, and students exploring Japan, we invite you to experience these stories firsthand. Come and discover the charm of Japanese castles—we’ll be waiting for you!

2. Quick Overview: Japanese Castles

2.1　Basic Information

Let’s start with a brief overview to give you the full picture of Japanese castles.

1. Since ancient times, Japan has had primitive fortifications known as forts, built to protect controlled territories.
2. Many of the castles that remain today were developed significantly during the Warring States period, approximately 400 to 500 years ago.
3. Initially, castles were primarily mountain fortresses built on elevated land for surveillance and defense, with military functionality taking precedence.
4. As the era of war came to an end, most castles transitioned into political, economic, and cultural centers.
5. Their locations shifted from mountains to hills and flatlands, leading to the development of large-scale structures such as stone walls and castle towers.
6. At its peak, Japan had nearly 300 castles across the country, with each feudal lord incorporating unique designs to showcase their authority.
7. During the Samurai-led Shogunate period, which lasted about 260 years, castle-centered towns flourished, laying the foundation for modern Japanese lifestyles and culture.
8. With the decline of the samurai era, castles lost their purpose, and many were either demolished or left to fall into ruin.
9. Fortunately, 12 castles have been preserved, including Himeji Castle, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Many castles have been restored for tourism, featuring exhibits that allow visitors to appreciate the power, craftsmanship, and daily life of the time.

2.2 Q&A 👀 Perspectives from Foreign Visitors.

This virtual tour blog answers common questions visitors might have. We’ve selected 10 frequently asked questions from foreign visitors to Japanese castles.

We hope you enjoy these Q&A sessions, presented with audio featuring a female US voice and a male US voice.

1. Where can Japanese castles be found?
   • They can be spotted almost anywhere, from major cities to rural areas.
2. When were Japanese castles built?
   • Primitive forts existed since ancient times, but most large castles were constructed around 400 to 500 years ago during the Warring States period.
3. Does anyone still live in Japanese castles today?
   • Generally, no one resides in castles nowadays. Most have been converted into parks or museums open to the public.
4. How many castles are there in Japan?
   • Including castle ruins, reconstructions, and restored sites, there are hundreds spread across the country.
5. What is the inside of a castle like?
   • Many retain their original wooden interiors, featuring steep staircases leading to the top floors.
6. Are Japanese castles different from one another?
   • Yes! Each region’s feudal lords incorporated unique architectural styles, so every castle offers something new to discover.
7. What makes Japanese castles interesting?
   • They showcase Japan’s traditional aesthetics, exceptional craftsmanship, and breathtaking views from their towers.
8. Why have some historic castles survived?
   • Some were repurposed as military bases, while others were preserved through the dedication of local communities.
9. How do Japanese castles differ from Western castles?
   • Japanese castles are mainly constructed from wood and stone, with layered wooden structures (tenshu) built atop stone walls.
10. When is the best time to visit Japanese castles?
    • Spring, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and autumn, when the foliage turns vibrant red, are particularly recommended.

2.3 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Here are some short stories answering common questions from foreign visitors who are curious about Japanese culture and local life. I hope you enjoy them!

Q１: What makes Japanese castles fascinating?

1. First, their towering presence is truly awe-inspiring when you look up at them.
2. Then, there’s the natural curiosity about what lies inside—how were they structured, and what secrets do they hold?
3. Stepping inside, you can imagine how people lived centuries ago, which adds to their allure.
4. Their unique architectural style, deeply influenced by traditional Japanese aesthetics and the advanced craftsmanship of the time, is a must-see.
5. The panoramic view from the castle keep is breathtaking, shifting in mood depending on the time of day and season.
6. But as with anything enjoyable, there’s a price to pay!
7. Most castles are built on elevated land, so getting there is like a mini hiking expedition.
8. Once inside, you’ll encounter narrow, steep wooden staircases that make ascending and descending feel like mountain climbing.
9. Due to overtourism, long queues inside castles have become common.
10. Additionally, many castles showcase historical artifacts like weapons, armor, and everyday tools, which naturally slow down visitor flow.
11. Unfortunately, when you’re stuck in a long line, you might suddenly feel the urge to find a restroom.
12. Of course, samurai-era castles weren’t exactly equipped with modern plumbing!
13. But—perhaps, just maybe—some defensive structures could offer a creative solution.
14. It turns out that samurai used a particular defensive feature during battle: “stone-dropping” openings, originally meant for hurling rocks at enemies scaling the castle walls.
15. And what was the cheapest, most readily available substitute for a rock?
16. Yes, you guessed it—the very thing you’re desperately holding in right now!
17. Visiting a Japanese castle might just offer you a hands-on experience of history in ways you never imagined!

2．Castle Tower: The Iconic Heart of Japanese Castles

Here are some fascinating insights into the castle tower—the literal star of Japanese castles!

2.1 Basic Information

1. It is said that there were originally 20,000 to 50,000 buildings for defense, so-called “castle” in Japan.
2. Although their scale and form varied, it is said that there were around 100 castles with a castle tower.
3. Old castles for defense since ancient times were transformed into military facilities adding a castle keep during the Civil War period.
4. The castle keep, as you can see, refers to the tallest watchtower within the castle.
5. What sets it apart from other watchtowers is that it also served to demonstrate the lord’s authority and power.
6. Due to its height and isolated position, there was no escape, and it was designed with the assumption of a final siege, a last stand.
7. Therefore, the lords usually did not live in a castle tower.
8. A separate residence called “Goten,” a mansion was constructed within the castle and the lords lived their daily lives and conducted politics there.
9. There are currently only 12 surviving castle keeps in the country.
10. Most remaining castle towers have been reconstructed based on historical records or rebuilt for tourism purposes.

2.2 Q&A 👀 Perspectives from Foreign Visitors.

Looking up at a castle tower often sparks curiosity! Here’s a list of common questions visitors tend to ask. Of course, individual perspectives vary depending on their interest in and knowledge of Japan and its architecture, but these are frequently asked questions.

1. Why was such a tall tower built?
   • It was to expand the field of vision for surveillance purposes and intimidate enemies, as well as to demonstrate authority within the castle town.
2. Is it entirely made of wood? Does it have any special structures?
   • Instead of using metal materials like nails that rust, the parts are interconnected like a puzzle and stacked by combining each piece.
3. How is this height achieved with wood?
   • Pillars and beams are made of strong woods such as Japanese cypress, cedar, and pine, and a significantly larger amount of timber is used compared to ordinary housing.
4. Did the lord’s family live in this large turret?
   • The lords’ families, including the lords, did not live here on a daily basis but only used it when necessary.
5. What kind of life did they lead inside?
   • Additionally, a “palace” within the castle was built for residential purposes, where they lived their daily lives and conducted politics with their retainers.
6. Why is it so beautiful?
   • Many lords emphasized not only practicality but also decorative aspects.
7. Why does it look so new?
   • Regular maintenance has been carried out to prevent deterioration.
8. When was it built?
   • Many castle towers were built during the civil war era about four centuries ago.
9. Is it still the same as it was back then?
   • There are only twelve surviving castle towers in the country.
10. Are there keep towers in every castle?
    • Most castle towers were destroyed by fire, lightning, or regulations, so many of the remaining ones have been reconstructed mainly for tourism purposes.

2.3 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Here are short stories that answer common questions from curious visitors like you—eager to uncover the real story behind the majestic facade. Will they satisfy your curiosity?

Q1: Why Are There So Few Castle Keeps?

1. Ironically, when the number of castle towers reached its peak, the civil war era ended and the need disappeared.
2. Additionally, since they were made of wood, they were prone to fires caused by lightning, etc., and the huge cost of rebuilding was a bottleneck.
3. Furthermore,  due to the government’s castle reduction laws at that time,
   the number of castle towers became as it is today .
4. While they could be used as observation decks, they were too costly, as they were primarily used by the lords’ families.
5. Therefore, even the surviving castle towers were in a state of disrepair due to insufficient maintenance funds.
6. However, with the increase in foreign visitors after modernization, the castles considered to be useless have become recognized as a tourist resource.
7. As a result, extensive efforts were made nationwide to restore and maintain castle keeps, leading to the current castle boom.
8. In Japanese, when something becomes popular, it is literally translated as “igniting fire to a boom.”
9. In this case, it was the increase of foreign tourists that sparked the boom.
10. However, there is a concern that excessive foreign visitors may further intensify the boom and raise the risk of fires to the castle keeps.
    

3. Japanese Castle Gates: The Ultimate Guardians

3.1 Basic Information

As always, this is a quick reference before we take a deeper dive while exploring castle gates together. This information applies to most Japanese castle gates, acting as a gateway not only to the castles themselves but also to a wider world of curiosity!

1. Japanese castle gates serve not only for wartime defense but also to demonstrate the power and wealth of the lord through advanced architectural techniques.
2. Multiple gates are intricately arranged like a maze to prevent easy access for enemies to the lord’s headquarters.
3. The castle gates themselves are designed not only for defense but also with consideration given to offensive tactics.
4. Originally, a castle gate consisted of only one gate, but as time passed, it became common to construct a square area enclosed by two separate gates and stone walls.
5. The castle gates were built with the intention of confining invaders within the square areas and completely destroying them.
6. The first outer gate and the next inner gate are positioned at a right angle on the right side.
7. The enemy had to change their direction by 90 degrees, which slowed down their momentum.
8. The reason for the right-side placement is that many Japanese people are right-handed, so it was intended to delay the enemy’s counterattack by one beat.
9. On top of the second gate, there was a turret that could be used to attack invaders through its lattice windows or by dropping stones.
10. The first outer gate opens inward to enable immediate counterattacks if there are any vulnerabilities outside the gate.
11. The decorative elements of the castle gates are intended to mentally intimidate intruders by showcasing the lord’s wealth.
12. When considering their roles, castle gates can be divided into two types: the main gate (‘ote-mon’ meaning ‘big hands’ ) and the back gate (‘karamete-mon’, meaning ‘squeeze hands’).
13. The main gate is large, robust, and characterized by high defensive capabilities and grandeur.
14. The back gate is generally more modest compared to the main gate, but there are also luxurious back gates similar to the main gate.
15. The curved and asymmetrical roof design enhances the decorative nature of the gate and displays the lord’s wealth.

3.2 Q&A 👀 Perspectives from Foreign Visitors.

Many foreign visitors seeing Japanese castles for the first time aren’t sure what the main attractions are—not just the castle gates, but the entire castle itself. Often, they find themselves stopping in awe, gazing up at the gates without saying a word.

Here are some common questions and answers to help you uncover the secrets behind Japanese castle gates!

1. What are the features and characteristics of Japanese castle gates?
   • Castle gates have changed a lot over time because of advancements in warfare technology.
2. How do they differ from the gates of other ancient structures like temples and mansions?
   • They ended up having this cool rectangular gate that combined defense, offense, and good looks all in one awesome structure.
3. When did this type of castle gate first pop up?
   • They evolved from the wooden stockades of earlier centuries and came into their best-known form in the 16th century
4. Are they sturdy enough, being made of wood?
   • The gate doors were reinforced with iron plates and during war, sealed tightly with rocks and wood to deter enemy intrusion.
5. What type of wood is used for castle gates?
   • They used sturdy woods like cypress, zelkova, cedar, and pine for gate pillars, beams, tower walls, and floors to make sure they lasted.
6. Are castle gates the same in every castle across Japan?
   • Their basic configuration is similar, but they vary in size, placement, and may feature decorative elements like Karamon (Chinese-style gate) or Karahafu (undulating gable) to enhance their appearance.
7. What was the significance of the main gate of a castle?
   • Similar to a typical residence, the main gate was primarily for the lord’s entry and exit, while others would use back gates.
8. Why do different castle gates have different names?
   • They were named based on the circumstances of their construction, or given auspicious names to enhance their perceived defensive power and the lord’s authority.
9. Were castle gates usually open?
   • Even during peacetime, they were typically kept closed. Daily entry and exit usually happened through smaller side entrances.
10. What kind of defensive measures were implemented at castle gates?
    • From the yagura (tower) built above the gate, stones could be dropped, and firearms or arrows could be fired at attackers.

3.3 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Here are short stories that tackle common questions from curious visitors—eager to unravel the mysteries of Japanese castle gates. Will they help you break free from the mouse trap of unanswered questions?

Q1: Why Did the Box-Shaped Gate Become Standard?

1. Originally, the castle gate was a simple structure, reinforcing the regular entrance with watchguards.
2. However, as warfare technology advanced, it evolved into a square-shaped structure.
3. With two gates and stone walls surrounding them like a trap, enemies would be easily killed.
4. But what is intriguing is that this square-shaped gate was the norm at the time, so the enemy should have been aware of it.
5. Why would they willingly fall into such a trap like mice?
6. One possible explanation is that soldiers had no choice but to move forward, even if they knew they would die.
7. If they didn’t advance, they would be denounced as deserters or cowards, bringing shame upon their descendants for generations.
8. However, mice have strong reproductive power, leaving behind 10,000 offspring in a year from a pair of mice.
9. So, perhaps mice might die peacefully in a mousetrap for the sake of their descendants’ honor.
10. But most human soldiers are young, unmarried individuals.
11. If they die, they cannot leave behind any descendants or honor, can they?
12. So, many samurais married at a young age, often in their early teens.
13. Perhaps it was a good time for young people who’d say, ‘I don’t care about my life as long as I can get married,’ a sentiment that remains true throughout history.
14. But no one can say whether they’d be happy if, in their early teens, they already understood what marriage really meant—that the castle gate wasn’t the only mousetrap.

4. Japanese Stone Walls: The True Foundation of Castles

4.1 Basic Information

Stone walls have existed in civilizations across the world since ancient times, but here, we focus on what makes Japanese castle walls unique.

To keep this section accessible, we’ve omitted the intricate details that castle enthusiasts may already know. For foreign visitors passionate about stone walls, we’ll provide more in-depth insights in later editions.

1. Japanese stone walls are built only with stones, unlike Western ones that use mortar and plaster.
2. In Japan, due to the abundance of wood, stone walls have been commonly used as the foundation of buildings, unlike Western houses.
3. The stone walls of famous castles today are unique structures that rapidly developed during the Warring States period.
4. You can see various types of stone walls, ranging from simple ones made of natural stones to artistically crafted ones made of cut stones.
5. Similar to the keep and castle gates, these stone walls were intended not only for defense and attack but also to intimidate the opponent with their wealth and dignity.

4.2 Q&A 👀 Perspectives from Foreign Visitors

Looking up at stone walls is fascinating, but touching them often sparks an even deeper curiosity! Many visitors instinctively compare Japanese castle walls to those from other cultures, such as the Inca Empire.

Here are some common questions visitors tend to ask—because every stone carries a story worth exploring.

1. How did they manage to move such huge stones?
   • They spent a lot of time building ships and making roads to move the stones around.
2. How did they stack those massive stones?
   • Basically, they placed the largest stones at the bottom and stacked the other stones on top of each other in order.
3. How did they cut out so many stones?
   • They stuck iron wedges into the cracks they made in the stones and hammered them to split the stones apart.
4. Why did they choose to use such big stones?
   • To show off how great the lord was who undertook the construction of the stone walls, there was a competition based on the size of the stones.
5. How tall is the stone wall?
   • The biggest ones were like 100-foot-tall buildings, about as high as 10-story mansions.
6. How long ago was it built?
   • Unlike the wooden buildings that were prone to fire damage, many of the stone walls remain as they were when the castle was built.
7. Why doesn’t it fall apart? Is it earthquake-proof?
   • By stacking the stones at the corners of the stone walls alternately, the strength was enhanced, making them more resistant to earthquakes.
8. What type of stones have been used in Japanese stone walls?
   • They commonly used “granite,” a tough and weather-resistant stone that was also easy to work with.
9. Where were the stones for the stone wall brought from?
   • They carefully chose high-quality stones from different parts of the country for their brand value.
10. How did they achieve such a smooth surface without any gaps?
    • It was a time when lords had more free time, which allowed for significant improvements in stone processing technology.

4.3 Ready to Crack a Smile? Short Stories for You!

Here are short stories exploring curious questions about Japanese castle stone walls. Will they help you break through the stacked-up mysteries like the towering walls in front of you?

Q1: How Did They Build These Walls Without Trucks or Heavy Machinery?

1. It seems that everything was sourced locally in the beginning, as it was a labor-intensive age.
2. Even the biggest castles in Japan at that time were constructed by gathering materials from nearby areas.
3. They brought in any usable stones they could find, from tombstones in temples to foundation stones from neighboring ancient palaces.
4. They particularly valued high-quality granite tombstones.
5. But I wonder if they didn’t worry about curses or bad luck when using tombstones as the foundation for castles?
6. We can understand that when the lord gave orders, there was no choice but to follow without thinking about the consequences.
7. However, many lords and their families eventually met their downfall along with their castles.
8. Maybe it was because they used tombstones as foundation stones showing no respect.
9. Ironically, they may have dug their own grave by digging other people’s tombstones.
10. That’s why most guides steer clear of this grave topic—they don’t want to dig their own grave by being misunderstood as raising grave(serious) issues.

Thank you & Afterwards

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