Japan/Kyushu: Kumamoto – Kumamoto Castle
And one more Japanese castle – the famous Kumamoto Castle. Originally built in 1497, it was significantly fortified and expanded over the centuries, ending up as one of the largest and most fortified castles in Japan. Kumamoto Castle’s strategic location played a crucial role in regional defense during Japan’s feudal era. The sprawling castle complex includes multiple gates, baileys, and turrets, each contributing to its defensive capabilities. The stone walls, known as musha-gaeshi, were ingeniously designed to hinder attackers and provide a formidable barrier. The main keep, or tenshu, is a massive three-tiered structure that commands attention with its imposing presence. The dark wooden exterior and sloping roofs complete the classic look. A recent 2016 earthquake has damages some of the structures however.
