Title: Samurai castles : history, architecture, visitors' guides /
Authors: Mitchelhill, Jennifer,; Green, David, 1969-
Year: 2018
Subjects: Castles Japan; Architecture Japan; Architecture; Castles; Civilization; Travel.; Japan Civilization.; Japan Description and travel; Japan
Abstract: Samurai Castles features hundreds of stunning colour photographs and little-known details about the most important and well-preserved Samurai castles in Japan, including their history, design and military features. Japan's ancient castles provide profound insights into the country's compelling military history. Discover the secrets of Japan's feudal past by exploring the most famous castles of the Samurai era. The enormous stone walls, multi-level towers, and sophisticated defense systems are not merely impressive fortresses, but spectacular works of Japanese architecture, constructed without the use of steel or modern equipment. These monumental structures fulfilled a need for protection without sacrificing aesthetic values. Understanding the cultural contexts of these Samurai castles helps create a better understanding of Japanese culture today. In this fascinating Japanese castle book, you will discover the rich history and creators of famous castles such as Himeji, Osaka, and Nijo that you would otherwise need to travel to Japan to experience in person. Chronicling the story of each building conveys a greater understanding of how and why they were built, and identifies their unique features for historians, architecture aficionados, world travelers, and Japanophiles alike. With over two hundred colour images, numerous diagrams, maps, and detailed descriptions, Samurai Castles is the most comprehensive Japanese history book on this intriguing topic.
Contents: Introducing Japan's samurai castles -- A history of the Japanese castle -- The design of a Japanese castle -- Visiting Japan's finest castles. Kumamoto Castle ; Himeji Castle ; Hikone Castle ; Nijo Castle ; Osaka Castle ; Kanazawa Castle ; Okayama Castle ; Iyo Matsuyama Castle ; Matsumoto Castle ; Matsue Castle ; Kochi Castle ; Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle ; Inuyama Castle ; Hiroshima Castle ; Marugame Castle ; Nagoya Castle ; Edo Castle ; Maruoka Castle ; Hirosaki Castle ; Wakayama Castle ; Fukuyama Castle ; Hagi Castle ; Takeda Castle ; Fort Goryokaku -- Japan's 100 most important castles.