Japan/Honshu: Fukuyama Castle
The castle kaleidoscope continues with the Fukuyama Castle. This castle was built in 1619, was nearly destroyed to foundation over the years, until it completely burned in 1947, and was then restored and rebuilt in 1973. The castle is really close to the Shinkansen train station and make for an easy and quick visit. The castle, just like many other in Japan, stand on top of a high hill, and then rises further in a tiered pagoda-like multistory structure. The castle complex is characterized by its five-story main keep, or donjon, which offers panoramic views of the city. Surrounding the main keep are stone walls, moats, and gates that once played a crucial role in the castle’s defense.
