Inuyama Castle

Inuyama Castle is a historical fortress located in the city of Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The castle is also known as "Hakutei-jo" or the "White Emperor's Castle" due to its white walls and the legend of its founder, the White Emperor.

Inuyama Castle was constructed in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, the uncle of Oda Nobunaga, one of Japan's most famous feudal lords. It was built on a small hill overlooking the Kiso River, which provided an important trade route between the provinces of Owari and Mino. The castle was strategically positioned to control this trade route and protect the surrounding area from enemy attacks.

In 1584, the castle was taken by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Nobunaga's most trusted generals. Hideyoshi then gave the castle to his loyal vassal, Narita Nagachika, who became the first lord of Inuyama Castle. Over the next few centuries, the castle changed hands several times, and it underwent many renovations and restorations.

During the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, many castles in Japan were dismantled or destroyed, as they were seen as symbols of the feudal era. However, Inuyama Castle was spared, thanks to the efforts of local residents who formed a preservation society to protect it. In 1935, the castle was designated as a National Treasure by the Japanese government, and it has been well-preserved ever since.

Inuyama Castle is a three-story castle with a basement level, which is rare among Japanese castles. It was built using traditional Japanese architectural techniques, with wooden beams and columns held together with wooden joints and braces. The castle's exterior is covered with white plaster, which gives it its distinctive appearance.

The first floor of the castle is a storage area, where food and weapons were kept. The second floor is the living quarters, where the lord and his family resided. The third floor is the top floor, which was used as a lookout point for monitoring the surrounding area. The basement level was used for storing water and supplies in case of a siege.

One of the most notable features of Inuyama Castle is its unique defensive structure. The castle has no moat or other typical defensive features, but instead relies on its steep hillside location to protect it from attack. The main entrance to the castle is also located on the second floor, which was a strategic choice to make it more difficult for attackers to breach the castle walls.

Today, Inuyama Castle is open to the public and is a popular tourist destination in Aichi Prefecture. Visitors can climb to the top of the castle and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area. The castle is also home to a museum, which displays historical artifacts related to the castle and the surrounding region.

One of the most popular events at Inuyama Castle is the annual "Inuyama Castle Festival," which takes place in late April or early May. During the festival, the castle is decorated with thousands of cherry blossoms, and traditional Japanese performances and ceremonies are held.

In addition to the castle, the city of Inuyama has many other historical and cultural attractions. The nearby Meiji Mura Museum is a popular open-air museum that showcases traditional Japanese architecture and culture from the Meiji period. The Urakuen Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden that was once the private garden of the lord of Inuyama Castle.