Thursday, October 02, 2014

Kumamoto Castle, Japan

Main Castle tower and smaller tower
 During my recent trip to Japan, I visited the national historical site of Kumamoto Castle. Considered one of the premier castles of Japan, Kumamoto Castle (named after the city in which it is found) has some impressive architecture, interior decoration, and a museum. Although its construction dates back to 1601 many of its structures were lost by a considerable fire just three days before a siege in 1877. Some parts were never rebuilt, while others were reconstructed as recently as 2005.

Detail - tower
Turret and walls

With its curved stone walls and wooden overhangs designed to repel ninja, it was considered to be a fairly impregnable fortress. The architect Kiyomasa also helped design some castles in Korea.

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