Matsumoto, Japan Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s most magnificent feudal castles, second in popularity after Himeji.  Arising from a massive foundation out of a great moat, the black walls, virtually unique in Japanese architecture, have earned it the nickname Crow Castle.  Although most of the extensive outer castle works are long gone, the phenomenal central keep appears … [Read more...]

Himeji, Japan Himeji Castle is the picture-perfect, iconic pagoda castle that is the greatest surviving fortress of Japan’s legendary feudal age.  An immense complex that strategically dominated Hyogo province in medieval times, it is also known as Hakurojo, the White Egret Castle, because of the white-winged appearance of its upper stories.  Himeji Castle has been on the … [Read more...]

Suwon, South Korea Hwaesong Fortress, a former royal residence, is the largest and most impressive surviving castle on the Korean peninsula.  This huge citadel encloses a great compound which includes both the palace and parts of the old city center, so that it may also be considered a small walled city.  After being heavily damaged in the Korean War, Hwaesong Fortress was … [Read more...]