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Castles
Home » Japan » Japan - Activities and Attractions » CastlesThe need for castles arose after the central government's authority weakened in the 15th century and Japan fell into the chaotic era of warring states.
During this era, Japan consisted of dozens of small independent states which were fighting each other and, for defense purposes, were building small castles on top of mountains.
When Oda Nobunaga reestablished a central authority over Japan about a century later, and his successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi completed the reunification of Japan, many larger castles were built across the country. Unlike the earlier castles, they were built in the plains or on small hills in the plains, where they served as a region's administrative and military headquarters, and became the centers of "castle towns."
Many castles were destroyed during the Meiji Period and even more were lost in World War II. Only about a dozen original castles still stand, but dozens have been restored over the years.
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