Japan’s Castles Stir Memories of Feudal Past (Photos)

Hikone Castle

Himeji Castle before the major restoration work that began in 2009.

Himeji Castle, Hyōgo Prefecture (built in 1601).

Himeji Castle’s central keep. Its white plaster walls have been restored as part of a major renovation project from 2009 to 2015.

Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto Prefecture (built in 1601).

Inuyama Castle, Aichi Prefecture (built in 1537 or 1601, according to different theories).

The lattice windows on the top story of Inuyama Castle were removed during renovation in 1939 and replaced with a wall, returning the castle to its original state.

Kōchi Castle, Kōchi Prefecture (built in 1601).

Hirosaki Castle, Aomori Prefecture (built in 1603).

Aizuwakamatsu Castle, Fukushima Prefecture (built in 1639).

Nagoya Castle, Aichi Prefecture (built in 1610).

Fukuchiyama Castle, Kyoto Prefecture (built in 1579).

Okayama Castle, Okayama Prefecture (built in 1573).

Uwajima Castle, Ehime Prefecture (built in 1596).

Matsue Castle, Shimane Prefecture (built in 1607).

Marugame Castle, Kagawa Prefecture (built in 1597).

Hikone Castle, Shiga Prefecture (built in 1603).

A view of Hikone Castle from the famous garden Genkyūen on a snowy day.

Matsumoto Castle, Nagano Prefecture (built in 1590).

Cherry blossoms and Matsumoto Castle at night.