Burgen in Japan

Castles and Fortifications

Japan’s defensive architecture spans centuries, from the unique Ryukyuan gusuku style of Shuri Castle to the hilltop yamashiro fortifications of the Muromachi period. This collection features Edo-period strongholds like Matsuyama and Kochi, which retain original or reconstructed keeps, alongside strategic ruins such as the Ichijōdani Asakura Family site. These locations showcase evolving military engineering, including massive stone walls, intricate gate systems, and the transition from feudal fortresses to industrial landmarks like the Higashida Blast Furnace.

Castles and Fortifications — Karte

663highland / CC BY 2.5

A

Shurijo Castle

Shuri Castle was a Ryukyuan gusuku castle in Shuri, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

ChiefHira / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Sendai Castle

Aoba Castle is a Japanese castle located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

C

Kōchi Castle

Kōchi Castle is a castle located in Kōchi, Kōchi Prefecture, Japan.

Masgatotkaca / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

Kokura Castle

Kokura Castle is a castle in Kitakyushu, Japan. It was built by Hosokawa Tadaoki starting in 1602, with construction completed in 1608.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

E

Tottori Castle

Tottori Castle was a Japanese castle located in Tottori, Tottori Prefecture.

文屋将監 / CC BY 3.0

F

Kiriyama Castle

Kiriyama Castle was a yamashiro-style Muromachi period Japanese castle located in the Misugi neighborhood the city of Tsu, Mie Prefecture,…

Shiro4873 / CC BY 3.0

G

Matsuyama Castle

One of Japan's twelve remaining original castles, this hilltop fortress was constructed in 1603. The complex keep structure provides panoramic views of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea.

H

Yuzuki Castle

The former residence of the Kono clan, this Sengoku-period archaeological site features reconstructed samurai residences, earthen ramparts, and moats within Dogo Park.

I

津城

Originally built in 1558 and later expanded by famed architect Todo Takatora, the site features restored stone walls, moats, and a reconstructed corner turret.

J

館山城跡

Former stronghold of the Satomi clan, the site now features a reconstructed keep built in 1982 which houses the Municipal Museum and offers views of Tateyama Bay.

K

川井城跡

Historical ruins of a medieval fortification located in Midori, Gunma Prefecture.

L

安田城址

Ruins of a medieval flatland castle in Niigata Prefecture, featuring preserved earthen ramparts and moats.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

M

Asakura Family Historic Ruins

The Ichijōdani Asakura Family Historic Ruins are historic ruins located in the Kidonouchi section of the city of Fukui, Fukui Prefecture,…

663highland / CC BY 2.5

N

Asakura Family Historic Ruins

The Ichijōdani Asakura Family Historic Ruins are historic ruins located in the Kidonouchi section of the city of Fukui, Fukui Prefecture,…

O

太閤ヶ平

A designated national historic site featuring the remains of the siege headquarters established by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during his 1581 campaign against Tottori Castle.

André Fernández Dávila / CC-BY-SA

P

月の松

A famous pine tree in Ueno Park featuring a naturally occurring circular branch, famously depicted in Utagawa Hiroshige's woodblock print series.

Q

お化け灯籠

Standing over six meters tall, this massive stone lantern in Ueno Park was donated in 1631 and is recognized as one of the three largest in Japan.

Kochizufan / CC BY-SA 4.0

R

東家渡場大常夜燈籠

A large stone lantern located in Hashimoto, Wakayama, which historically served as a beacon for the ferry crossing on the Kinokawa River.

663highland / CC BY 2.5

S

Higashida First Blast Furnace Mark

A monument marking the site of Japan's first modern blast furnace, which began operations in 1901 as part of the State-owned Yawata Steel Works.