Hikone castle

Himeji Castle vs. Hikone Castle; points in common or not common


Himeji Castle is one of World Heritage sites, so we can guess it is famous internationally. By contrast, less is known about Hikone Castle.
These two castles are common in some points and different in other points. We want to organize our thoughts at first.

Hikone Castle

Points in common
Both castles are national treasures of Japan. And they were early modern castles. Therefore they were made in almost same era.
Also they are both Hirayamajiro style or 'castle on a hill' style, and both Tokugawa group's. 

Moreover, reason for making were same. It's because to block the connection between the territories of Toyotomi's lords and Osaka Castle which was the headquarters of Toyotomi group.

Points in contrast
The dominant territory of Himeji Castle's lord was larger than that of Hikone Castle's. Then, Himeji Castle was made more massive than Hikone Castle. 

The timing when they became the vassals of Tokugawa family was slightly different. Himeji Castle's lord had been a independent lord before Tokugawa group domination of Japan and he collaborated on taking over Japan. On the other hand, Hikone Castle's had been a senior vassal of Tokugawa family, and he became a lord on his first time. 

Come to think of it, Himeji Castle's lord had wider flexibility when he made his castle. On the other hand, Hikone Castle's had quite less. So, there were many influences of Tokugawa family all around Hikone Castle.

As we say like this, you may think Hikone Castle is not fascinating facility. We strongly argue against it. Even though Hikone Castle lost many battle-towers and walls, it still has many fascinating buildings, wide moat thanks to its favorable location that is nearby the Biwako lake, and outstanding defence devices thanks to its steep original ground. Consequently, it has been worth visiting.
We would like to deliver you many charms of this castle.


Go to Hikone Castle

This time, we will go to the east side of Osaka city. Approximately 90 kilometers east, Hikone city is there. And also Hikone Castle is. In its site, there are many survivals, not only main keep but also some battle-towers, moat, masonry, gates, bridges, etc.



Hikone castle

Like the previous time, we will write how to transfer from Osaka to Hikone. The route is simple this time. Because you have the only one way to use. You can use JR train only, and cannot any private train.

After examination again, we are strongly confilmed JR train is convenient. This time, we can also use Shinkansen, but it's inconvenient. The necessary time is almost same when we use a rapid train. Thus, we recommend JR local line.

Using Local Biwako line: 80 minutes (depends on timetable)

JR Hikone station

Make an attack on Hikone castle

From the entrance of the Hikone station, we walked a broadway 10 minutes or so, the townscape changed dramatically to the park-like atmosphere, and a big moat appeared. We went to the castle along with the moat. The wide battle tower or the Sawaguchi-tamontou stood before us. So, the hill of Hikone Castle isn't in sight.

Sawaguchi-tamontou

We entered the inner area of Hikone Castle. There is a road now. But, once there was a giant gate and defensive zone or a Masugata trap. Above there is a siting called Ni-no-maru. In this area, a big stable and the backyard of Sawaguchi-tamontou battle tower are existing. Next to the Ni-no-maru siting, we can see the castle hill beyond inner moat.

Sawaguchi-tamontou
Masugata: not a proper noun, a form of gate stractures of early modern Japanese castles
Ni-no-maru

Early time in the morning, there are few people. Hikone Castle area opens half an hour earlier than Himeji Castle. It's a kind solicitude for travelers.

We crossed a bridge of the inner moat and went through the Omote-gomon-ato or former main gate. There are less survivals than Himeji Castle. We thought before visiting there that many survivals are there. It's a pity that there are a few battle towers, gate, and main tower only. 

It's difficult to suppose what shape the Omote-mon or the main gate was. And we knew from the description of a paper that there was the Oute-mon or a main gate (Normally, main gate was named the Oute-mon.) in another place. And also by the description, the Oute-mon came not to be used and the Omote-mon became the main gate as years past. It's only written information from the description. In either case, the real Omote-mon and the real Oute-mon are invisible now.

Omote-gomon-ato
Omote-mon
Oute-mon



Go to a Karabori

We went up the Omote-mon to a Karabori or moat-shaped space sandwiched by two tall ramparts. These are parts of the Tenbin-yagura-mon or the gate and battle tower comprex named Tenbin and the Kane-no-maru or the compound named Kane.

To head for the main tower, we went to Kane-no-maru. There are only wide stone steps now, but there might be a gate structure in those days. Then, it would be difficult to go toward the inner area for the attacking side. When the Kane-no-maru compound fell, the defence could destroy the Rouka-bashi or the bridge named Rouka which is built between the Kane-no-maru and the Tenbin-yagura-mon. Therefore, the attacking side might stop further invasions and might feel the difficulty again to capture the whole area of this castle.

Roukabasi and Tenbin-yagura-mon

Tenbin-yagura-mon

This trick is quite famous and worth to visit for Japanese castle freaks. You'll also be impressed by the atmosphere just like you were attacking this castle.

Tenbin-yagura-mon
Kane-no-maru
Rouka-bashi



At Taiko-maru

Going past the Tenbin-yagura, we were standing the Taiko-maru, small compound. To go toward Hon-maru, we also have to capture the Taiko-mon or the gate named Taiko.

Taiko-maru
Hon-maru
Taiko-mon

After capturing this gate, we can enter center compound. There is a beautifully symmetric main tower welcomed us.
By the way, this main tower is connected with Tamon-yagura. There were earthen walls and other battle towers once, but these structures were ruined.

Main tower

Inside of the main tower is simple. It's difficult to imagine this main tower was the symbol of domination. We mean, successive lords never looked down around their territory in the top floor like regional rulers. Lack of inside ornamentation makes us feel the lords were earnest and faithful. It becomes strong by comparing with its excessive outside makeup.

At inside of main tower

They would think they were temporarily keeping this territory for the Tokugawa family. Ii clan was famous as one of the faithful retainers of the Tokugawa family. So, they made their castle for the stability of their master not for their own dominance.


A stair of main tower

The stairs inside the main tower were reconstructed for the safety of the tourists. That decision was made by the traits of Hikone cities people. And that is because Ii clan's disposition was taken over to Hikone cities people.

To tell the truth, we felt a little dissatisfied when we completed exploring this main tower. That's because this main tower is quite small compared with the Himeji Castle's.
However, many outside-decorations made us charmed. And these ornaments differed attractively in each side. It was biggest attraction for us.
The north side of the main tower is the Nishi-no-maru compound. It's difficult to suppose how it was used in those days. The north end of this compound is the Sanjyuu-yagura or the third floor battle tower.

Nishi-no-maru 
Sanjyuu-yagura


Sanjyuu-yagura



Ou-horikiri

Beyond the Nishi-no-maru, there is the De-kuruwa or the projecting compound. Between the Sanjyuu-yagura and the De-kuruwa are called the Ou-horikiri or the big moat-shaped space, that is same as Karabori in front of the Tenbin-yagura. A very same trick is there.
Hence, the enemy would be blocked by this tight defence, if they had changed their plan and attacked this side.

De-kuruwa
Ou-horikiri




Outside of it is Kannon-dai compound. And that is a pointed area of this castle. And the next is Ymazaki-kuruwa compound, and its next is the Biwa lake.

Kannon-dai
Yamazaki-kuruwa
Biwa-ko

We think you are interested in Japanese castles, if so, you'd better to visit this castle. Especially, must look around Karabori, Kaneno-maru, Rouka-bashi, and Tenbin-yagura-mon. The combination of defense is a must for the fan of Japanese castles.

We didn't meet many international travelers, but there were many in Himeji Castle. We hope we can see such scene in this castle next time.

Genkyu-en


Why this castle was made like this?

Our opinions described below are based on our personal concepts. We know you have other concepts. This is one concept among many.
Please accept our opinions as one of these if you can't agree with our opinions.

There are three questions.

First question is about area planning.
East side of the castle mountain was the Genkyu-en, the second residence of lords and garden. And west of the castle mountain was retainers residences and a castle town. Why the eastern side of the Genkyu-en wasn't used as a castle town or other aims?

Genkyu-en

Second question is about defence of its east side.
South side and north side of the central compound had strong defense devices. The Rouka-bashi and the Ou-horikiri. And the west side of the center compound was a steep cliff, then difficult to attack too.
However, the east side was mainly used for the residence of Lords and garden and also the mountain pitch was gentle. All in all, the east side was dangerous and had no particular defense devices compared to other sides.

View from east side

Third question is about the front (the main gate).
The front side was made on the west side of this castle. Why the south side was not chosen? Now, JR Hikone station is on the south side. And between the station and the castle are the center of Hikone city now.  This side obviously suitable for the main gate. Moreover there is a wide open space on the east side. We think it's the second best. 
If the facade was made east side, it would be spectacular like Himeji castle. The evidence of our opinion is the scenery. The best view shot of this castle is from Genkyu-en's garden (the east side of this castle).  

We believe this castle was the most tight defense castle. So, if our question is accountable, our belief would be destroyed. It's too pity.

After studying a little, we found the answer.
We made our opinions from our experience only, but that was deficient. Because there was a big lake in the east of the Genkyu-en until about 70 years ago. Therefore it was unable to build a castle town in this side. And also their enemies couldn't attack from the east side. All in all, defense of the east side was not so important when this castle was constructed.
As a result, the planner chose the west side as the retainers residences and a castle town. In the south area, there weren't enough space. Also the north area was narrow coastal land and the huge Biwa lake.

The East lake was reclaimed relatively long before. However, we can't find any information about this reclaimed lake from papers or explanation boards in the castle. Thus, some Japanese castle fan tourists have such questions because they don't know the whole historical background in details.
We think it's necessary to explain that there was a reclaimed big lake at the east of this castle. If they use the sentence as explanation.  'Hikone castle was the castle of extraordinary strong protection'.


 An addition

You can see the Hiko-nyan at the Hikone castle.
The Hiko-nyan is the walking around character of the Hikone castle. These walking around characters of Japanese sightseeing places are called Yuru-kyara, you canimage them as Mickey and Minny in the Disneylands. They are all around in Japan recently. Many sighteseeing spots and shopping streets have these own walking around characters. As a matter of fact, the Hiko-nyan is very famous and it's in top five of Japanese Yuru-kyara.

Hiko-nyan

Before meeting it, it's obscure how we feel. Now, we want to emphasize it's very cute. He or she is studying trademark poses in earnest. We can take his or her pictures as much as we wish when he or she appears at a predetermined place and time appear a few minutes.

You can buy the Hiko-nyan-senbei or rice crackers Hiko-nyan designed.
This rice cracker is made by Bace-one company and also a licenced product of Hikone city.

Hiko-nyan-senbei

Basic information
(About weapons and castles)

The history of development of early modern castles is connected with the weapons very closely. In early modern castles, there were thick walls and a wide moat against arquebuses. Then, strong military power was necessary to capture the early modern castles. Even though the attacking side captured, they would have the loss of a great many lives.

One of solution strategies was cannons. In Europe, it's usual to use cannons to attack castles a little long time before. As a result, European castles changed their appearances and the ways to construct.
As a matter of fact, the cannons appeared in Japan at the same time when arquebuses worked around, but those were not used with a few notable exceptions.

Japanese at that time couldn't make cannons even though they succeeded to make arquebuses. So, cannons were seldom used in Japan.  Another reason was that there weren't wide highways in those days. Then army corps were in difficulty to move cannons in long distance.
But the real reason was that Japanese castles weren't strong enough. Then attacker's side didn't need cannons to capture Japanese castles.
(It's a little pity to conclude Japanese castles weren't strong enough.)

There is a way of looking that absence of cannons made Japanese castles remained their flowery beauty. If the Tokugawa group failed to get hold of Japan's political power, the civil war continued and cannons would be used soon. As a result of it, the early modern Japanese castles would be changed.
But the nightmare wasn't happened. That's wonderful, because we can still look at beautiful Japanese castles.

Himeji castle

Go to Himeji castle

Begin with the question 'where is Himei castle?'. It's in Himeji city. Many tourists to Japan may misunderstand Himeji castle is in Osaka or Kyoto. But that's incorrect.


Himeji castle

Get onto the main subject, we introduce the location of Himeji castle. It's in 70 kilometers west of Osaka city. Osaka is one of well known Japanese cities, so we start from there. From Osaka to Himeji, we can use several public transportation. For example, railway and highway and so on. Osaka is also the gate city of the western region of Japan. Many tourists use railway usually. The railway system in Japan is known as JR, and JR was once a government-managed company. So, JR has a railroad network all over Japan. Then, there is a track from Osaka to Himeji. One more information, there are some big private railways in the Kansai area. We can visit Himeji city only using private railways.

Hankyu train (Private)

When you use a JR train, there are two ways. Using Shinkansen Super Express and local only.

Using Shinkansen: 56 minutes (depends on timetable)
  Osaka station ⇒　Shin-osaka ⇒ (Shinkansen Super Express) ⇒ Himeji station

Using Local only: 63 minutes (depends on timetable)
  Osaka station ⇒　Shin-osaka ⇒ (Shin-kaisoku: Rapid train) ⇒ Himeji station

A Shinkansen train is convenient, if you disregard its expense. For example, you can buy a reservation ticket from a vending machine.
In contrast, roughly speaking, local is inexpensive but inconvenient. Though you use a Rapid train, you can arrive in almost constant time. However, you can barely get a seat.

When you use private trains, you can choose 2 private trains. Hansin train and Hankyu train, but you should transfer Sanyo train at Kobe both.

Using Hansin train: 97 minutes (depends on timetable)
  Umeda station (same as Osaka) ⇒ (Hansin super express) ⇒ Kobe-motomachi ⇒ (kousoku-Koube) ⇒ Nisisiro ⇒ (Sanyo super express)
  ⇒ Sanyo-Himeji
　
Using Hansin train: 94 minutes (depends on timetable)
  Umeda station (same as Osaka) ⇒ (Hankyu super express) ⇒ Kobe-sannomiya ⇒ (kousoku-Koube) ⇒ Nisisiro ⇒ (Sanyo super express)
  ⇒ Sanyo-Himeji
　
When you use private trains, you should remember it's considerably far to move between Hansin station and Hankyu station. So, you'd better make a decision which train system you use. If you change trains from Hansin to Hankyu or vice versa, you need more times than you thought.

And one more information
From Osaka to Himeji, there aren't long-distance buses. Nonetheless, you start from Tokyo, you can choose some. If you ride one of them in Tokyo in the early night, wake up at Himeji next morning.


Make an attack on Himeji castle

Himeji castle is the only place in Japan where numerous survivals, not only a main tower but also minor battle-towers, walls, moats, ramparts, and entity zones are retained. Then, Himeji castle is the best. With a feeling excited, let's go to make an attack on Himeji castle.

Himeji castle (from JR Station)

Walking north from Himeji JR station, Himeji castle has existed far from our eyesight, shining whitely. It took ten minutes or so to reach the entrance gate of Himeji castle, and its appearance was getting big as we were walking toward it. We walked across a crosswalk of an avenue, crossed a bridge on the wide moat baileyed around the boundary of Himeji castle, and went through Oute-mon or the main gate. The route makes a U-turn around this gate. Then, we saw an expansive lawn area is called San-no-maru Hiroba, and a grand view of the great main tower of Himeji castle. The view is exactly the same as the scenery we had seen in photos and television pictures. What an inspiring view! A few sightseeing spots look very good in their photos or television pictures, but in reality they are so-so. However, Himeji castle has genuine forcepower. We felt we had reached here.

Oute-mon
San-no-maru Hiroba

Hishi-no-mon

The toll facility of this siting is existing in the left hand corner of San-no-maru Hiroba. Passing through the facility, we reached Hishi-no-mon or gate Hishi. Hishi-no-mon is the first intact building tourists can see closely. In this place, we could see the great main tower from an oblique angle on the opposite side of Sangoku-bori or moat Sangoku. We had seen pictures from this angle many times. But real view was different. We were also impressed.

Himeji castle (from Hishi-no-mon)

Sangoku-bori

We followed the route, and we reached an upslope toward Ha-no-mon or gate Ha. There are big plastered earthen walls on the right hand of an upslope path. And these walls have many holes, triangle, rectangle, and round shape at a certain interval. The holes are called Teppou-hazama or ports for shooting. On the left hand side, there are ramparts and a Ni-no-maru battle-tower. When you walk up the path, you will feel Sengoku era's atmosphere strongly. We thought this place was the most exciting place in this siting.

Ha-no-mon

A soldier shooting

How do you think about our opinion?

After that, many small gates and complex paths appeared in front of us. Then we reached the great main tower finally. There are a few small towers around the main tower, and inside of the complex are connected to each other. We couldn't understand where we were standing. We had visited many castles all over Japan and entered these main towers. Himeji castle's main tower was the widest we've ever visited. Once more, it was very wide.


The great main tower

Going up stairs, and at last we arrived at the top floor and felt the height of the great main tower. Though the way to the top floor, we got confused. We failed to find the location of stairs which were arranged. And also failed to understand where we were standing inside the great main tower and coexisting small towers. The direction board was the only item for us to understand where are us. Conversely, we were satisfied even though we had such experience.

That's because we had the impression that we had accomplished the tour of the great main tower.

Hishi-no-mon
Sangoku-bori
Ha-no-mon
Teppou-hazama
Ni-no-maru


From Nishi-no-maru

We went out from the great main tower into the open air, and followed the route to the southern place called Bizen-maru. There was an empty place no building was existing. Once there had been a residence of feudal lords, but only ramparts have existed now.

Sitting in the farthest bench, we looked up at the great main tower. Then a feeling that we had accomplished came into mind and sense of accomplishment also came bit by bit. 

The place once the main residence was existed is vacant, and the building wasn't rebuilt. Why? We think it's important for the tourists to calm down of their sense.

We thought so. But how do you think? Please remember our question, if you accomplish the tour in the great main tower. And please ask yourself you need to cool down or not. 

In our case, feelings of excitement in our minds were settled down, and started the tour again. We went out Bizen-mon or gate Bizen in the east side of the great main tower, and turned the route and went down to Mi-no-maru in the south of Bizen-maru. Then, went down to Hishi-no-mon, passing through the east side of Sangoku-bori. What an elaborate route!

After leaving Himeji castle, to tell the truth, we were disappointed a little. Because we had unrequited hope. If we could enter small towers around the great main tower and also battle-towers in the siting!

 We only looked at the outside of these properties from the route for tourists. In our opinions, the route to the great main tower is a main dish. But we need strarters and deserts, so we hope there would be visiting to the battle-towers or the gates.
However, Himeji castle is the best castle that Japan can boast to the world. We proudly say your tour there would be worthwhile. 

Bizen-maru
Bizen-mon

💭 By the way, if you want to visit other national treasure castles, you can learn more information from these articles below...

"Hikone Castle",  "Matsumoto castle",  "Inuyama Castle"

💭 And also you can get brief information from the article, "Who are them?"

Look around every side of Himeji castle

These opinions described below are based on our concepts. We know you have many other concepts. This is one concept among many opinions. Please face it.

It has been said an attacking force cannot capture Himeji castle. Because there were many gates, walls, and battle-towers on their way to the great main tower. Attacking forces were blocked by these barriers, so they couldn't come close to the great main tower. We think this opinion is easily understood when you actually walk along the visitor's tour route.



Gate and walls

But the Lords of this castle used the same route to the great main tower? They used another route, we suppose.

As long as we tour visitor's route, it's difficult to find contradictions. However, there are many contradictions. For example, some gates are so small to be used by many people like Lord's prossecions. 

Also the entrance of the great main tower is located in the backyard. The reason we suppose that is in the backyard, there are storage sheds. We think it's difficult to image that is the main entrance of the great main tower.

One of small gates

 In the Sengoku era, main towers were used only battle time. Residential facilities were mainly used as their living places and as their political places. This means people in those days used the reverse course of a visitor's route nowadays. Namely, the route from Hishi-no-mon to Bizen-maru passing Ni-no-maru was proper.

In this route, attacking force had to capture many complex building of gates and battle-towers. But, there weren't tricky devices. The reason of the visitor's route is to attract us by many tricky devices, so this is an arrangement of hosts.

If you jump your thoughts, you need not to go through a vast San-no-maru siting. In the east side of the castle, there are Karamete-mon or sub date which directly connects to Bizen-mon. Bizen-mon is a main gate of Hon-maru or center area. The Karemete-mon are also called To-no-shi-mon or number four gate of To. And you can't observe this in your tour. Because you can't see it in your route. It is a pity.



From east side

After leaving Bizen-mon, you go down to east of the castle, and you get to Kisai-mon, where wide moats are around it. There is a tall stone wall against an attacking force. It's unable to find how eastside defence was constructed. But as far as we look at, there was sturdy defence on this side. Furthermore, this gate, Kisai-mon might be just the thing lords who lived in this castle used when they went up to their living space and went down to the outer area. So, lords might seldom use magnificent Hishi-no-mon.

 Go to the north side surounding space of this castle. Is there something interest? In north side, there were no defensive structures.
North side of Himeji castle was actually a tall steep cliff, and on the top of it, there made battle-towers and connecting structures to defend north side.

From north side

In Aichi prefecture, a similar style castle is existed. That is called Inuyama castle. And north side of the main tower is a cliff above the Nagara river that is one of the large rivers in Japan. So, it's difficult to attack from northen side of the castle.

As far as we looked at the north of Himeji castle, there weren't defensive structures or natural barrier in spite of its original cliff.

We think there were lost defensive structures because we want to believe any attacking force couldn't capture at all. We afraid a little that you will not agree with our optimistic way of viewing, especially if you saw a brilliant side only.

Information Board

Himeji castle was renovated into current form by an anti-Toyotomi Lord. To inhibit force power sympathizing Toyotomi-families who had their domains around the western Japan. Tokugawa-families were afraid of their counterattack, at the very timing Tokugawa-families attacked Osaka castle.

(In the history of Japan, Tokugawa-families won and Toyotomi-families were destroyed at Osaka castle. That was connected closely the birth story of Himeji castle.)

Considering historical reasons, the south side was the most important for Himeji castle. When lords sympathizing Toyotomi-families moved to Osaka castle, their way to march might be the south of the castle.

So the defense of the south was the most important. We are amateurs, and should put the answer to the next study by specialists.

Karamete-mon
Hon-maru
To-no-shi-mon
Kisai-mon
Inuyama-castle
Nagara river
Toyotomi-family
Tokugawa-family

NIshi-no-maru

In the western side of Himeji castle, there is Nishi-no-maru or a west baily. This compound was made ten and few years after the main reconstruction. Considering discussions above, it was built to strengthen defense of western side. But the episode told, this place was made as the residence of famous princess Sen-hime.
We can't agree with this commonly accepted theory. Please find your conclusion by yourself.

we met them in this exploration

At the birth episode of Nishi-no-maru, Sen-hime made these complex buildings to worship Otokoyama-hachiman or shrine named boys mountain. She wished for the healthy growth of her son.

Very  steep

When you look at Himeji castle from Otokoyama-hachiman's mountain top, you can find another aspect of Himeji castle. At the top of the mountain, there is a viewing platform. To the platform, steep and straight stairs of hundreds steps go up to the goal. Be careful, when trying.

You can use rental bicycles in front of Himeji station. It's a good idea not only going up to the great main tower but also cycle around the castle. We also visited Sen-hime-botan-en or botanical garden of peonies, Kouko-en or Japanese gardens,
Himeji-jinja or shrine Himeji and so on which are located around Himeji castle.

History museum of Hyogo prefecture is a facility for study and exhibition. It's located in the northern site of the castle. We had no chance to visit this museum. But in the future, we would visit such a facility.

In the southern part of the castle, Eagle Himeji or International exchange center of Himeji city is there. From rest space at the highest floor, you can look at the great main tower. That space is kind of secret great spot.

Nishi-no-maru
Sen-hime
Otokoyama-hachiman
Sen-hime-botan-en
Kouko-en
Himeji-jinjya
History museum of Hyogo Prefecture
Eagle Himeji

Talking of tour, you say souvenirs. Japanese people often buy sweets for souvenirs.
Here we select three of them on our own judgement.

First is Siomi-manju. Small manju or a bun stuffed with sweetened bean paste, and that skin is a little firm also a little salty. Siomi means salty flavor.

This manju is made by Tamatsubaki-honpo-ise-ya-honten, which was a long-established confectionery with official authorization of Himeji-han or feudal government of Himeji.


Siomi-manjyu

Second is Kaki-hachinen. It is also manju and its skin is like a dried persimmon and its filling is sweetened bean paste.
This manju is made by Edo-ya. Domestic shipping is available.

Kaki-hachinen

Last one is Hime-no-kuni-no-karipo. An assortment of Karinto or fried dough cookies. There is a famous Karinto company in Himeji city.

Hime-no-kuni-no-karipo

Basic Information

(The total number of Japanese castles, and the castles now exist)
The area once castles existed are 40000 and many. But the typical survivals we image the castles in which stone basements, wide moat and mostly main tower is existing are approximately 300. And more, only 12 castle areas, original main towers are remained.

Matsumoto castle

Japanese castles which have tall masonry structures and wide moat are known as the early modern Japanese castles. These were constructed during slightly short period in Japanese history. Do you know this? From 1600 (this year the Battle of Sekigahara was happened) to 1615 (this year the Siege of Osaka castle was ended) numerous early modern castles were made.

the Battle of Sekigahara
the Siege of Osaka castle

What is the key to solve this historical puzzle?

That is the atmosphere. There was high pressure all over Japan at that time. Because in that era there was a translation of  political power from Toyotomi families to Tokugawa families. So the lords were afraid that a big war would happen in several years.

Nagoya castle

And they decided to renovate their castles which were the basic point of their domination to be as strong as the pressure of the war. Besides, Tokugawa group constructed many magnificent castles to surround Osaka castle which is the center of Toyotomi families.
Himeji castle, Nagoya castle, Hikone castle are built or totally renovated for this purpose.

In addition, Nagoya castle was constructed at the most strategic point for Tokugawa group. So, it was important and strongly built.

Because Nagoya was the best place to prevent an attack of Toyotomi group. Then it's compounded area was the widest among castles, and the planning was front line in that time. But it's a pity Nagoya castle's main tower and main residence were burned in a fire of the bomb during WW2, and much of it's compounded area was redeveloped to the office area.


(The Charm of castles of the early modern period)

The era castles of the early modern period were constructed was like the bubble period of Showa. In this era, many lords constructed their castles newly or reconstructed completely using their knowledge they had learned practically at the battle fields. However, these castles didn't experience a real war. So their defensive strength wasn't tried.



Osaka castle

A really giant battle to siege the giant castle was happened. That was the siege of Osaka castle in 1615. When the battle was happened, Osaka castle was approximately 30 years after its birth. So the defense system was sort of out-of-date.

After the siege of Osaka castle, castles changed into rural political centers instead of military bases. And also as the residences of Daimyo clans or the power holder families. That is the real aspect of these castles we see now.