CASTLES

Ninja and other assassins were a serious problem for high-ranking officials and royalty back in the day. Here we take a look at how they managed to thwart these silent killers.

Discover Western Japan as you have never seen it before from a breathtaking birds-eye view!

These six castles, all easily accessible from the Tokyo area, are more than enough to slake your thirst for the days of the samurai.

Forget Tokyo Disneyland—Chiba has a dozen castles and ruins waiting to be discovered!

From Okayama Castle's rare black walls to the charms of Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, there's plenty to see and do in Okayama.

In March 2015, Himeji Castle completed its first major renovation in 50 years, leading it to be reborn in resplendent white befitting of the "White Heron Castle."

Despite two violent earthquakes and numerous strong aftershocks that damaged its walls, 400-year-old Kumamoto castle remains standing.

Missed out on the blooming sakura in Tokyo? Why not head north to view the cherry blossom flower rafts in Aomori Prefecture?