Japan really is a great island country for its fantastic scenery. One of them is the Takeda Castle Ruins (竹田城), located up in Mt. Kojōzan (古城山) in Hyōgo Prefecture (兵庫県). Castle ruins may not sound too exciting or appealing to some people, but the location and its rich history got it ranked as one of […]
Takeda Castle – The Hidden Castle Ruins in the Sky Read More »
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)!
Fukuchiyama Castle and Why Akechi Mitsuhide Was a Good Man Read More »
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 »
If you have two days to spend in Kinosaki Onsen, allocate half a day to visit Izushi. The small township is a hidden gem close to the popular hot spring town. After enjoying the town’s famous local specialty, Izushi Soba, hike up to the top of Izushi Castle Ruins (出石城跡) for a panoramic view of
Izushi Castle: The Best Spot for a Scenic View of Izushi 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, come to Sōja City (総社市) in Okayama Prefecture for the beautiful natural wonders 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 the
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
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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
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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).
Bitchū Matsuyama Castle: The Castle Floating in the Sky Read More »
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 »