If you are coming to Fukuchiyama City by train, you might notice a castle up on the hill from the train window. Fukuchiyama Castle (福知山城) is a popular destination and a landmark in Northern Kyoto. It was also listed in the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles (続日本100名城) by the Japanese Castle Foundation (日本城郭協会)!
Izushi (出石) is a quaint town in Toyooka City where you can find traces of Japanese history dating back to the Edo period (1603 – 1867). Although it might not seem like it now, the castle town used to be incredibly prosperous. This prosperity earned it the title of Tajima Province’s Little Kyoto! Because the …
Izushi – A Castle Town that Retains the Past Eras’ Remnants Read More »
Many people come to Japan for its magnificent old castles. However, when it comes to castle ruins, we find that many tourists end up skipping them. We picture tumbledown walls and rocky boulders when we think of castle ruins. Unless notable or famous historical events have taken place there, there aren’t many incentives for international …
The Best Guide to Akō Castle Ruins and Akō Ōishi Shrine Read More »
If you are after some hidden gems in the Chūgoku region, then come to Sōja City (総社市) in Okayama Prefecture for the beautiful nature spots that the non-locals might not be aware of. Apart from the scenic places, you will also find a castle that used to house demons. And on the other side of …
Sōja City and the Scenic Hidden Gems that Many Don’t Know Read More »
Just minutes from JR Akita Station, Senshū Park (千秋公園) isn’t just another park you can find in Japan. In the park, you will find a castle, a tea ceremony tea house, three shrines, a museum, an art gallery, and even a library! What is even more awesome is that the castle has been recognized as one …
Senshū Park – An Unusual Castle Park in Akita City Read More »
Kanazawa Castle (金沢城) was the residence of the powerful lords of the Maeda clan (前田氏), who ruled over the Kaga/Kanazawa Domain (加賀藩). Until the end of the Edo period, the Maeda clan had great power and wealth, second only to the Tokugawa clan. Along with the adjacent Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園), it is now one of …
Kanazawa Castle – The Throne of the Powerful Maeda Clan Read More »
Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi City in Okayama is also known as the Takahashi Castle (高梁城). As it can be easily confused with the Matsuyama Castle in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, it is more commonly referred to as the Bitchū Matsuyama Castle (備中松山城).
Hirosaki City (弘前市) is located on the western side of the Aomori Prefecture. The city is most well-known for Hirosaki Castle (弘前城) and Hirosaki Park (弘前公園), which is one of the top three cherry blossom viewing spots as well as one of the three most popular illuminated cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. The city, …
Hirosaki – The Most Attractive City in Aomori Prefecture Read More »
Those who know of Hirosaki Castle (弘前城) or Hirosaki Park (弘前公園) in Aomori Prefecture probably know them because of their reputation for stunning cherry blossoms. More than two hundred thousand people visit Hirosaki for its Cherry Blossom Festival (弘前さくらまつり) each year! No wonder it was chosen as one of the top three cherry blossom viewing …
Hirosaki Castle and Hirosaki Park – A Romantic Spot to Be Read More »
Have you heard of the Okayama Prefecture? It is just a 45-minute train ride away from Osaka! Most importantly, you get to visit one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and one of the Top 100 Castles in one go (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ