Join me in an extraordinary journey through the most breathtaking castles of Japan! Today, we're embarking on an adventure through the rich history and stunning architecture of the top 22 legendary Japanese castles. These aren't just visual spectacles; they are silent witnesses to the strategic genius of Japan's famous unifiers: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
From the iconic Himeji Castle, gleaming in the sunlight and symbolizing power during the Battle of Sekigahara, to the majestic Edo Castle at the heart of modern Tokyo, pivotal in establishing the Tokugawa shogunate's control over Japan. Kumamoto Castle's black walls witnessed the fierce Siege of Kumamoto, showcasing its resilience against attackers and natural disasters. Meanwhile, Matsumoto Castle, set against a backdrop of mountains, and Osaka Castle, central to the Siege of Osaka, were key players in the power struggles and unification of Japan.
But all these 22 castles, with their imposing towers and vast moats, have been the backdrop for strategic victories, bitter defeats, and the merging of cultures that laid the foundation for Japan as we know it today. You will experience pure Japan history and will be able to dream away in the age of samurai and shogun.
So, get ready for a journey back in time, where we reveal the beauty and secrets of Japan's most impressive castles. Behind these great structures are the ambitions and dreams of Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, whose efforts to unify Japan have left an indelible mark on its history. Don't miss out!
Video chapters
00:10 Castle locations in Japan
00:15 Sneak preview
00:34 History lesson about Japanese castles
02:15 Zakimi Castle
02:44 Takeda Castle
03:16 Takada Castle
03:35 Odawara Castle
04:21 Matsuyama Castle
04:51 Hiroshima Castle
05:22 Gujo Hachiman Castle
05:36 Goryokaku Fortress
06:04 Fushimi Castle
06:27 Kanazwa Castle
06:55 Nijo Castle
07:25 Takamatsu Castle
07:49 Okayama Castle
08:27 Inuyama Castle
08:48 Hikone Castle
09:29 Hirosaki Castle
09:50 Edo Castle
11:01 Nagoya Castle
11:34 Kumamoto Castle
12:13 Osaka Castle
13:07 Matsumoto Castle
13:45 Himeji Castle
Love to hear what you think about the video and castles. Leave comments and like/share! Thanks. If you are Dutch you can also find more information on tokyo.nl/japan/top10-kastelen/