Japan/Shikoku: Matsuyama Castle
Matsuyama is the largest city on the Shikoku Island and home to one of the most spectacular castles in Japan – Matsuyama Castle. The castle was built in 1603 in the top of Mount Katsuyama that towers above the city. Just getting to the top of the mountain requires a nice ride in a cable car. The castle structures are extensive and more importantly still original (only 12 castle in Japan are originals). The castle consists of three enclosure on top on the mountain plateau – Honmaru (main enclosure), Ninomaru (secondary enclosure), and Sannomaru (tertiary enclosure). Gates and walls surround all of these and lead toward the main castle structure. All the towers, turrets, gates, and stone walls, collectively create a fortified and imposing appearance. The castle is quite interesting inside and original wooden ladders and staircases lead you to the top floor that offer panoramic views of the mountain, the city below, and the Seto Inland Sea coast and islands beyond.
