Japan castles and palaces - Nippon rich heritage!

Tamozawa Villa was served initially as the Tokyo residence of a branch of the Tokugawa family. It was later used as the Imperial Palace for the Japanese Emperors before being moved to Nikko. The Villa also served as a retreat for the Tokugawa family from the World War II bombing. read more »

Matsumoto castle is Japan's oldest castle tower, and is also designated as one of the national treasures of Japan. Constructed in 1592, it has an elegant black exterior, thereby earning its nickname as 'Crow Castle'. Inside the castle, there are displays of armour and weapons from the Sengoku period when it was constructed. read more »

Constructed in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Leyasu, his grandson completed the Nijo Castle's buildings only 23 years later and continued to expand the castle. Nijo Castle was then donated to the city after being used as an imperial palace and it is not a historical site for the public to visit. You must definitely make a trip here to marvel at this architectural wonder as Nijo Castle is no doubt the exemplary castle palace of Japan's feudal era and hence was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. read more »

Home to the Japanese Imperial family till 1868, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a place rich in tradition, preserving the look and ambience of the Palace of Japan's ancient imperial dynasties. The current palace dates from 1854, after earlier constructions were destroyed by numerous fires. The palace complex is surrounded by a long wall with several gates, halls and gardens. read more »

The Katsura Imperial Villa, also known as Katsura Detached Palace, is a villa with associated gardens and outbuildings in the western suburbs of Kyoto. Completed in 1645 as the residence for the Imperial family, its gardens are a masterpiece of Japanese gardening, and the buildings one of the greatest achievements of Japanese architecture. No longer used by the Imperial family, it is maintained by the Imperial Household Agency, which holds tours for public viewing. read more »

The Himeji Castle is a hilltop castle which dates back to the early 17th century and is located in Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture and is perhaps the finest surviving example of Japanese feudal architecture. A stronghold surrounded by moat and wall and protected by massive foundations, the Himeji Castle is also known as the 'Castle of the White Herons' due to its elegant white walls, a spectacular sight against the blue sky. The castle hosts a variety of events across the seasons, including the Himeji Castle Cherry Blossom Viewing Fair and Princess Sen-hime Peony Festival in spring, Himeji Castle Festival in summer, Moon Viewing Fair and Himeji All Japan Ceramics Market in autumn. read more »

The Shuri Castle was included as a UNESCO World Heritage designated Castles of the Ryukyu Kingdom sites. Shuri is the name of the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Shuri Castle, built in the late 1300s, served as the administrative center and residence of the Ryukyu kings for several centuries until Okinawa became a Japanese prefecture in 1879. read more »