Tenshu (Keep)
The tallest tower of a castle, serving both as a watchtower and a symbol of the lord's authority. Only 12 original keeps survive in Japan today.
Yamajiro (Mountain Castle)
A castle built utilizing the natural terrain of a mountain. Highly defensible but difficult to inhabit, common during the Sengoku period.
Ishigaki (Stone Walls)
Stone walls built by specialist craftsmen called anōshū. Techniques include nozurazumi (rough stones), uchikomi-hagi, and kirikomi-hagi (precisely cut stones).
100 Famous Castles
100 famous castles selected by the Japan Castle Foundation. A popular stamp rally pilgrimage route for castle enthusiasts across Japan.
Nawabari (Castle Layout)
The planning and layout of a castle's grounds, including the main keep (honmaru), second enclosure (ninomaru), and outer works. A key factor in defensive capability.