A historic city on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, Kumamoto is renowned for its imposing castle, rich regional food culture and friendly, welcoming inhabitants.

Visiting the Hommaru Palace at Nagoya Castle is a study in traditional craftsmanship. In some rooms, vivid seasonal motifs are painted on gold leaf-coated sliding doors; intricately carved cranes ...

Tsuruga Castle in the city of Aizuwakamatsu (Fukushima Prefecture) played a decisive role in Japan's transition from the feudal samurai era to a modern society. This time on Journeys in Japan ...

Hyogo Prefecture--Himeji Castle is undoubtedly one of the best preserved feudal era castles in Japan, but visitors rarely get the opportunity to explore the entire medieval complex. But that has ...

Upon being proclaimed Shogun (feudal military dictator) of Japan in 1603, Ieyasu constructed a palace that would reflect his supreme power. Nijo Castle in central Kyoto was certainly ostentatious ...