The best castles and temples of Japan

Castles and temples in Japan are very different from their European counterparts. They fully embody the culture of the country and show the harmony between human activities and nature.

They built these magnificent building made of natural materials — stone and wood. In total, there are more than 50 Japanese castles, many in their original form.

Odawara Castle

Japan. Odawara. Odawara Castle. Was built in 1418; reconstructed in 1960. (Agustin Rafael Reyes)

Osaka castle

Japan. Osaka. Osaka castle. Was founded in 1585. (pelican)

(Nico)

Himeji Castle

Japan. Himeji. Himeji Castle. Was founded in 1333. (Bernard Gagnon)

(Sam Gao)

Nijo Castle

Japan. Kyoto. Nijo Castle. Was built in 1603. The castle consists of many buildings, including the Ninomaru Palace, South East tower, Northern and Eastern gates of the gardens. (Morten Legarth)

South-East tower. (Morten Legarth)

Garden. (lacinda)

The Ninomaru Palace. (LASZLO ILYES)

The Castle Of Wakamatsu

Japan. Wakamatsu. The Castle Of Wakamatsu. Was founded in 1384. (かがみ～)

(yisris)

Senso-JI temple

Japan. Tokyo. Senso-JI temple. Was founded in the year 628. (Antonio Tajuelo)

(Antonio Tajuelo)

Kinkaku-JI temple

Japan. Tokyo. Kinkaku-JI temple. Was founded in 1397. (themonnie)

(ajari)

Inuyama Castle

Japan. Inuyama. Inuyama Castle. Was built in 1537; it was reconstructed in 1965. (Yamaguchi Yoshiaki)

(Odyssey)

Tokyo Imperial Palace

Japan. Tokyo. Tokyo Imperial Palace. (yasa_)

Japan. Tokyo. The garden at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. (Juan Pablo Colasso)