UserWiki:Furinkazan/VisitedCastles

Furinkazan's Visited Castles

Background:

Castle	Date	Comment
Aizu Wakamatsu Castle		This is a nice site to visit. The tenshukaku being a concrete one isn't a big problem. It houses a nice museum with a lot of information about the history of the place and more in particular about the Boshin-war. The view from the top is outstanding. The 2 reconstructions in wood are a great addition to the castle. The Rinkaku teahouse is worth to visit. After that i went to the Prefectural museum, just next to the castle-site. Then i took a bus to the Aizu bukeyashiki, which is truly informative.
Akashi Castle		Two days ago i went to this castle. The turrets are nice and indeed the walls are impressive. Sadly the weather was very bad, so i couldn't appreciate to the fullest the site. I think with beautiful weather i would have stayed longer in the parc, which is very nice for a stroll. I appreciated the pontoon they have built behind the wall. It gives you almost the position of a shooter over the wall(such devices were installed at some castles during sieges, that's why some of the firing holes are very low. The men below had to kneel for firing their weapons).It is very difficult to take a nice picture from the JR station. There are some electric cables hanging in between.
Akita Castle		I went with a bus to this site this morning. Any bus from busstop #5 at the west exit of the Akita station are passing near the site. You need to get off at Gokukojinja'iriguchi. It's a 360¥ ride and is about 20min. Be aware, the busstop-name doesn't appear on the bill-board. You have to be very attentive to the little voice telling the next stop. I found this weird. I never experienced this in Japan. The site is about 700m from the busstop. There are several explanation boards on the site. Even in english. There are 3 reconstructed buildings. The outer eastern gate with a part of its wall. The inner eastern gate with also a part of its wall(here are no photos of this, do you need some Eric?). And the last rebuilt structure is a flush lavatory. It's the first time i saw such a structure on castle grounds. I found it interesting. In the museum i saw a little video of the history of the castle, only in japanese. There are some artifacts found during the excavations. The structures changed six times when the site was used and some models show these changes. The site is completely free to visit.
Ako Castle		I visited this site today. It is a very nice place to be during sakura-time. The park is surrounded by a lot of ishigaki and they are still reconstructing some parts of it. It's easy accessible. From the south-exit of Banshu-Ako station it's straight ahead. There aren't alot of buildings, but they made some kind of elevated map in the honmaru, where the palace once stood. The Oishi-jinja, related to the 47 ronin, stands inside the ishigaki.
Ansho Castle		After Nishiojou and Toujoujou, i went to this site. I decided to go there because i changed from the Meitetsu-line to the JR-line in this city. The stations are 1km from each other and the site of the castle is 1km on the same road but in the other direction from Minamianjo-station on the Meitetsu-line. There is indeed not alot to see. I like also temples and shrines, so i wasn't completely disappointed. If you go for a castle you'll be very disappointed.
Arato Castle		The location of this little yamashiro and the buildings reconstructed are very nice, but don't expect a castle like Himeji or Matsumoto.
Ashikagashi Yakata		Imo, this 'castle' should not be on the 100 meijo list, but it was a yakata and thus an important step to the castles of later periods. Personally i like also visiting temples and shrines. The hondo is the oldest building of it's kind, and inspired a lot of temples thereafter. If you're looking for a castle, you'll be disappointed, but the buildings on the grounds are historically and architecturally important. In the hondo you'll find the 100 meijo stamp. There i bought a book of the history of the temple. A part of it is translated in chinese, korean, english(yes), french(YES) and spanish.
Aya Castle		This is a castle reconstruction like they all should be. Very nice little castle and some interesting artifacts. When i arrived at Miyazakistation yesterday i went to the informationdesk to buy the 'Visit Miyazaki Bus Card'. For 1000yen you can take buses in Miyazaki and to extended cities, like Aya. This card is only for foreigners living outside Japan. The lady at the desk was really helpfull. She told me to take a bus in front of the station, east-exit, at busstop 2. The number of the bus is 304 or 305, bound for Aya. But afterwards i saw that there are more buses passing on the Tachibanastreet, the station being scarcely deserved by these buses. I took a 304 at Tachibanadori 3 chome busstop and the bus stops in the center of Aya. The fee was 1030yen, so the card was really interesting. After that i took a taxi, because the rain fell alot this morning. The fee for the taxi is 560yen. There are taxi's just in front of the busterminal. If you are in the area, you should go to Ayajo.
Azuchi Castle		This morning the rain dripped a little bit, but stopped when i arrived at Azuchi station. There is still only one exit at this station but they're doing a complete overhaul of it. Of what i could see, there will be 2 exits in the near future. Exiting the station, i went left to go under the railtracks and go to the Azuchi castle museum. They have a very impressive model(scale 1/20) of the keep of the castle. This model can be opened to show the interior. Not to miss. I went back in front of the station to rent a bicycle. In the first shop there was nobody, so i went to the one right from the station. The fee to rent a bicycle depends on the time you'll use it. When i told the old man where i was going, he guessed i needed 5 hours, so the prize was set at 1000yen. Actually i used it a bit longer than that and i had to pay 300yen more. Ok, it's a little bit at the high end, but the old man gave me 3 maps. On the first one he told me the complete route for the sites i wanted to go. The second one was that of Azuchijo. Here again he showed me the route. The last one was for Kannonjijo. He was very helpful.The ruins of Azuchijo are impressive, but the access beyond the honmaru is still fenced off.(sorry RaymondW). After the castle i went to the Saga Prefectural Archeological museum. There are very nice artifacts, but especially several models of different castles.The fee is 1180yen, but then you have access to the museum of 'The house of Nobunaga'. I highly recommend to visit this facility. Inside is the reconstruction of the last 2 levels of the tenshukaku of Azuchijo. It was made using the old techniques. There is also a VR video of about 15min. This was amazing. You make the visit of the castle in presence of Luis Frois. I was stunned by the beauty of this video. You see that the hill of Azuchijo was almost completely surrounded by water, in those days. From there i went on to Kannonjijo.
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle		I went today to this castle. Really a nice castle to go, even with bad weather, like i had. The castIe was surrounded by a cloud and from time to time i had to wait that the wind blowed a little bit to take a photo. I took a taxi up to the castle(1250yen). I didn't go to the ruins behind the castle, because the paths were too muddy and slippery. When i wanted to walk back, it was really heavily downpouring. I was actually fortune. A visitor(i saw 4 on the site) asked me where i was heading. He took me to the bukeyashiki, where i started a walk at the Old Orii residence to end at the Shorinji. The Orii home has very nice buildings with the one in the backyard having some arms and armors on display. This little town is a 'must go'.
Bitchu Takamatsu Castle		I'm at home since monday evening. I'm still putting my photos and other stuff together from my journey in Japan. I visited this site after Kinojo. It is just 2 stations away. I intended to give this castle also to this site, damn Phibbyfan, lol. There is really not alot to see here, but i found the site interesting to visit. Actually there are 2 sites. The site of the castle and the site of the kawazugahana remnants. These are only 1km apart from each other and there are plenty of direction-signs (with english). On the site of the kawazugahana there are only explanations in japanese, but on the castle grounds there is 1 big panel with english translation. It is better to begin your visit with the kawazugahana. Just walk under the very big torii leading to the Saijo Inari shrine(you can't miss it). Turn right on the second little path to the site. From there follow the directions on the signs. You'll have to walk a little back to go to the castle remnants.It is interesting to note that the seppuku of Shimizu Munehara was the only condition for a truce between the Mori and Hashiba(later Toyotomi) Hideyoshi. Hashiba needed this truce, because he learned of the murder of Oda Nobunaga, his master, at Honnoji by Akechi Mitsuhide. He wanted to be the avenger and he did at the battle of Yamazaki. From this point Hashiba steadily grew in power to become the most prominent figure in Japan.
Echizen Katsuyama Castle
Echizen Ohno Castle		Yesterday i went to this castle. It's lookout is very nice. The castle(certainly concrete(lol)) has some artifacts on display. The city is commemorating the 430 years of it. There are some artifacts in the exhibition hall, but eveything is in japanese. For that i give the castle only 2 stars.
Edo Castle		Since i was only visiting Tokyo for 2 days, i had to make a choice. Or visiting on sunday the Eastern gardens(closed on monday) or visiting today the palace grounds (closed on weekends). I decided to visit the palace grounds. I think it is more rewarding because you pass really next to the Fujimi-yagura and you see the Fushimi-yagura,which some parts are being restored. After the visit i did a complete tour around the park. There are alot of masugata-mon all over the place. It was really interesting. Next time i'll try to visit the eastern gardens.
Fukuchiyama Castle		Today i visited this castle.It's a really nice reconstruction. The interior is a modern one with little artifacts on show, but with a very nice lookout. If you come/go from/to Kyoto, prepare to take a picture on the train. You will pass not that far from the castle and it's the unique chance to take a nice picture from afar. I discovered it too late and tried to make a photo on the train to Osaka. Sadly this line is further away from the castle.
Fukui Castle		After Maruoka i had some time left for visiting Fukui.(my hotel is just next to the trainstation)Normally i don't visit castleruins, but i have to say that this one is interesting. There are some panels around the moat(in english too)telling the story of Fukui-city and -castle. In 2008 the Oroka-bridge was restored to celebrate the 400 years of Fukui-castle. It is a covered bridge and for this i give 2 stars.
Fukuoka Castle		I arrived today in Japan and landed directly in Fukuoka. After visiting some temples and shrines i went to this site. Since it was raining this morning i took the subway to Asakasa-station. From there it is a small walk to the site. There are now very big excavations fo the diplomatic center Korokan of the Heian period. The first building entering the site of the castle is the information center. Don't miss it, they'll provide you with a map of the site in english. Look at the explanation-movie. You will see some 3d rendering of the castle. Go then to the Korokan where you can obtain the nihon 100 meijo stamp. From there follow the route on the map. You will go to every interesting place and building. There are lots of information panels(with english). The buildings and ishigaki are interesting.
Fukuyama Castle		I went to this castle after visiting Suigunjo on Innoshima(not present on this site, but i'll give the info to the webmaster when back home). So i came from Onnomichi and saw the castle from the train. Since i use a JR-pass i have access to the Shinkansen-tracks without further costs. I took some photos from the track to Osaka. You may slide the windows to take photos, but don't forget to close them back. The castle is very impressive from the outside as stated below. Nevertheless i went inside and the artifacts on show are certainly worth the 200 yen entrance fee. Sadly nothing is translated. For the 2 original buildings on the site i give 4 stars to this castle.
Funai Castle		The site has several reconstructed towers and some ishigaki. There is no museum. The nihon 100 meijo stamp is at the entrance of the cultural hall, which is on the castle-grounds. There is a lovely park next to the tenshukakudai. Imo the most interesting building on this site is the roukabashi, which is the only structure where you can enter.
Fushimi Castle		I went here after Shoryuji castle. I completely agree with Raymond. It is a very nice reconstruction. It should be a 1,5 star, but this is not possible, so i give it 2 stars. It is closed, but i don't even know if it opens for the public. Perhaps on special occasions.
Ganjaku Castle
Gifu Castle		I hiked up to this castle today.(@Webmater: little hike lol)It's a pitty that the montain is covered with trees, it's impossible to make a lot of nice photos of the castle. The castle itself isn't that fine(concrete), but the artifacts are interesting. Don't miss the little museum, which is in the price of the castle(200yen).
Goryokaku Fort		Yesterday evening was chilly, but this morning the weather was already nice to visit this site. I took the streetcar from the Hakodate station to the Goryogakukoenmae. One ride is 230¥. From there it's about 1km to the Goryogaku tower. The entrance fee to the observatory is 840¥. You have a good view of the fort and of the city. After that i walked all around the site before entering the park. Like Kris said, there are numerous explanation boards all over the site. The entrance fee to the magistrate's office is 500¥. It's a very well reconstructed building. There is only one original structure. It's the white building on the photo, a little bit to the left of the centre. It's a storehouse and it's closed to the public. Since the weather was nice, i liked to stroll around.
Gujo Hachiman Castle		Yesterday i went to this castle. The castle(concrete)is not that nice, but the location on the hill is splendid. The lookout is marvelous and there are alot of things to see in the little town.
Hachigata Castle		Waiting for my train in Gyodashi station, after visiting Oshijo, a man came to me and asked me directly from where i was and what i was doing. I told him i visit castles and the following one was Hachigatajo. He told me that there was a Hojo matsuri today. We had a nice chat on the train. He asked me what the currency is in Belgium. Actually i had all the different coins in my wallet and a 50 billet. I showed him and he gave me 130yen for the 1? coin. I told him it was too much , but he insisted. So i gave him also the 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 cents. When he got of the train he went directly to a vending machine. He throwed the can to me just before the closing of the doors. When i arrived at Yorii station, i teceived immediately a paper with the activities concerning the matsuri. Since my first objective was the castle i walked straight to it. Walking over the Arakawa i saw from afar that a reenactment was going to start along the river. Over the river you are already on the grounds of the castle. Sadly, like stated in the other comments, some roads cross on the grounds. There are also some houses build on parts of it. Because of the matsuri some kuruwa wete also used as parking lot. Nevertheless i enjoyed the moats and embankments. Since the reenactment had begun when i reached the castle, i heard teppo cracking, cannons blasting and signal flares booming. This gave a nice atmosphere on the site. The show was over when i finished my castle visit, but i still encountered some brave samurai(it was hot today) and enjoyed some signing and eating. I gave only 1.5 stars to this site, because there are no buildings, apart from the only reconstructed door. But if you're interested in nice dorui, i highly recommend this place.
Hachioji Castle		I hiked to the honmaru of this castle this morning. After that i went to the Tsumenoshiro and even to the Fujimidai. The trail to these last 2 destinations is fairly difficult. You really need to watch your step. Since it rained a little bit today, i slipped several times and i fell once on my bottom, but no harm. To get to the site i took a bus at busstop #1 at the north exit of Takao station. I asked the busdriver if he went to the castle. Since it's a weekday i had to get off at Reienmae-Hachiojijoato. The ride is 180 yen. From there it's about 1.5 km to the guidance centre, where i got my 100 meijo stamp. On the trails after the honmaru i encountered nobody. At some times i thought i was no more on track, but then i saw a signpost. The site is very well signposted.(sometimes only in japanese).
Hamamatsu Castle		I was a little disappointed by this castle. The location isn't very nice and the armors inside are replicas.
Hikone Castle		This is really a must. The site is marvelous and the castle is very nice. There is not alot to see in the castle, but the structure alone is breathtaking. There are alot of structures where you can go inside. I paid 1000yen for the castle, museum and garden. If you want to see the castle alone it is 600yen. The museum has some artifacts related to the Sengokujidai, but most of it consists of tea-ceremony, noh-theatre and music instruments. The museum is actually a reconstruction of the goten, so you can feel how it was living in those buildings.
Himeji Castle		I'm back in Japan, but I'm not going to do a castle-run this year. I'm accompying a friend's daughter for her first journey to Japan. Of course this castle could not be left aside for the voyage. Today we went to the castle. We had to do the queue for one hour before entering the tenshukaku, then it was some kind of a constant walk in the donjon, because so much people were inside. It was still interesting to see the structure without the weapons and armors. I saw also a model of the castle during the time of Kuroda Kanbei. Of course it had nothing to do with the actual castle. Doing the queue was somehow annoying but i still enjoyed the visit. For info the staff closed the castle's entry earlier, because of the great number of visitors.
Hirado Castle		Nice castle to visit. They at least tried to put some colors resembling wood. You are able to take photos of everything. After the castle i visited some other places of interest in the city. One for samurai-history-fans is surely the Matsura historical museum. From there you can take a picture of almost all towers of the castle afar. Inside you may take pictures without flash. The artifacts are really wonderfull. They have a byoubu(folding screen) of the battle of Nagashino, and some other battles. I first had planned to take the train from Sasebo-station, but i decided to use the bus. You have to take it at busstop 2 in front of the east-exit of Sasebo-station. You can take it to the busterminal at Hirado, but i went off at the Saiwai-bridge.(the fee is the same : 1300yen) from there it is easy to walk to the castle or anywhere in the city. The time with the bus is 1h30min. This is the same time from Sasebo-station to Tabirahirdoguchi-station. The fee for the train is 1190yen, but you still have to take a bus or walk to Hirado(4.5km) The way back is very easy, the end-stop of the bus is at the Sasebo-station.
Hirosaki Castle		I finally visted the 12 castles with original tenshukaku. The yaguramon were indeed very impressive as noted by Eric. The moat in front of the honmaru is covered and they are preparing to move the tenshukaku to the centre of the honmaru. Some trees and other plants were being moved this morning. The tenshukaku is closed due to the repairs, but it was still on its original place. After the castle i visited the bukeyashiki in the north, just behind the kamenokomon. They are free of charge, only the Ishiba residence is 100¥. The old lady there gave me an english explanation of the place. First i thought it was for me to keep, but actually you have to read it and give it back.
Hiroshima Castle		This is a beautiful castle from the outside, at least the reconstructed yagura of the ninomaru are in traditional materials and add alot to the prestige of this place. The museum in the tenshukaku is a decent one and worth a visit. I find it a bit less photogenic than Imabarijo, because of the tall buildings almost around the site.
Hitoyoshi Castle		The weather was nice today, not like yesterday, and this made the visit to this site more interesting. It is a nice park to stroll around and the reconstructed buildings are well done. In the little museum you'll find the nihon 100 meijo stamp.
Hotta no Saku		Today i did 3 sites, but the 2nd isn't on this site. It isn't a castle, just a fenced off settlement of the end of the Jomon period and early Yayoi period. So i began my day with Hotta no Saku. I took the train to Omagari and then a taxi to the site. The drive is 2610¥. On the other side of the street is a small museum containing almost only Jomon pottery. They accepted to take my backpack untill i had visited the castle. I went to the small information building, where you can see a short film about the site. There are small bikes to use freely on the site. You receive a map with the roads where you may ride and where you have to walk with the bike. On the castle-site were a group of about 20 elderly people playing some kind of mini-golf. There is a rebuild storehouse where they put their stuff. After going around with the bike i returned to the museum to get my backpack. They friendly called for a taxi. All the facilities are free of charge.
Ichijodani Castle		This morning i took the Thunderbird from Kanazawa to Fukui. There i took the Wanman to Ichijodani. I first visited the Asakura ruins museum. You can buy a combination ticket for the reconstructed street and this museum for 230 yen. I then followed the route indicated on the map in front of the museum. I recommend this, because you'll pass a lot of interesting places. The route brings you to the reconstructed street. The homes are very interesting. I was stunned by the number of wells all over the place. All homes had 1 or 2 of them, even inside. There were canals bringing water everywhere. I went to the Kamikido or entrance defence in the south of the valley. From there i visited the ruins of the several yakata and the Karamon. But i didn't find a trail to go to the top of the mountain. I went back to the entrance of the reconstructed street and asked how i could get on the top. The lady told me to go to the Hachiman shrine and follow the trail next to it. She asked if i had a 'kumazukuri' (bear repellent or bell). I had seen several warning signs about the bears, but i told her i didn't had a repellent. She told me to yell at the bear in the event of an encounter. I went to the Hachiman shrine and at its foot is a sign indicating the trail to the mountain top. It's a 1.5km trail. First follow the road, going right of the shrine. Some meters farther you'll see a sign indicating the trail to the left. It's a very small trail and not always easy. I had put my good walking shoes, and i was happy to have done so. I went to the San no maru ato, but the trail goes further. A sign at the san no maru ruin indicates it's the end of the yamashiro. It took me 1 hour to get there and I'm happy to have done it. Do not expect a lot there. Apart of the trail, everything is overgrown. There are only boards telling you where you are and indicating the other locations. After that i went back to the station and i had the train of 15h46. Plan carefully, because like stated in the notes, there aren't a lot of trains passing at this station. I highly recommend to visit this site, but because of the state of the castle i give it only 2 stars.
Iga Ueno Castle		2 days ago i went to this castle. I liked it very much, with its great walls and the artifacts on show. Kids and adults can disguise in shinobi(this is the land of the ninja) and i saw alot of little ninjas wandering. I also visited the ninjahouse in the parc. Its a nice museum(with english explanations) and you can attend a ninjashow. They demonstrate the use of some ninja-weapons, but it's only in japanese. I walked to the castle and took the train back, because some of them have ninjas painted on them.
Ikeda Castle		What can i add to the comment of RaymondW. There is a drawing in the tower showing how the castle really looked in the Sengoku-jidai. This is a lovely park to go.
Imabari Castle		The site of this castle is very photogenic. You are able to take very nice pictures from almost every side of the castle, walking around the very large moat. 5 years ago they have rebuild some aditional yagura and the kuroganegomon in original materials. For this i give it 4 stars(the tenshukaku is in concrete, at least inside they tried to hide it with wooden planking). The collection of armors is very impressive. At the entrance they told me that they possess the 2nd most important number of armors that a castle in Japan has. I really recommend this castle when you're in the vicinity.
Innoshima Suigun castle
Inuyama Castle		Went today to this castle as well as Komakijo. This one is really a must do. Very nice structures and location. If you are in the vicinity, visit this castle>
Iwakuni Castle		Like RaymondW wrote about this castle, it deserves 3 stars because of the site, not for the castle in itself. The castle is nice from the outside but too dull in the inside. Some nice swords indeed, but only one armor. The view from it is very beautifull. You can buy a ticket at the entrance of the Kintaikyo-bridge for 930yen. It gives you access to the bridge, the use of the ropeway in both directions and the castlekeep. You receive a reduction of 100yen for the Kikkawa museum and for the museum of arts. I went to the Kikkawa museum, but there are almost only scrolls to be seen, There was only one armor and one daisho. For the 400yen, you still have to pay, i found it a little too much. The Mekata residence is interesting as is the Kikkojinja. There are also some white snakes for 100yen to see, next to the Mekata residence. I found them interesting.
Iwasaki Castle		After Kiyosu i visited this castle. To get there i went back to Nagoyastation. Since i bought a Donichi Eco-pass i used the subways. First to Marunouchi and from there to Akaike. This is the last subway station on that line. Beware the train continues but on the Meitetsu line. From Akaikestation i took a Kurorinbasu to Ontakeguchi(200yen). There are only 1 bus per hour to 1h and half. It takes 15min to Ontakeguchi and from there 5min walking to the castle. From the busstop you see the castle. The castlegrounds were somewhat interesting, but the interior of the castle was void of any thing interesting. The entrance is free. I liked the fact that families may put replica-armors to walk around. I saw alot of kawaii bushi LOL.
Iyo Matsuyama Castle		This is a wonderful site to visit : alot of ishigaki and original buildings. I used the ropeway up the hill(260yen) and walked down trough the ninomaru garden. At the castle i encountered an english speaking guide who proposed me to make the visit together. He was astonished by my knowledge about japanese castle. We walked almost 3 hours on the site. I have to say that the buildings are very nice. In the taikoyagura(drumturret) you may play on the drum and on the first floor of the tenshukaku you may put on a complete armor(all the parts are present, but a little bit weared off). When i arrived there 2 japanese men were adossing the armors(there are 2 actually). I noticed to 1 of them that he had put the dou(torso) in the wrong direction. The backplate was at his front. I own a replica armor at home, in metal, which i put on on some occasions like the Japan-Expo or the kodomohi in the japanese garden in Hasselt(Belgium). I saw that they didn't know how to put the kote on. I decided to put one of the armors on. Apart from the sode(shoulderprotcections) and sashimono(backflag) i don't need help to put on an armor. I was going faster than the guy next to me who was helped by 4 friends. It was really funny and they laughed alot because they had to look at a gaijin how to put on a japanese tousei gusoku. This castle for its buildings, ishigaki and outstanding views from it mertis at large its 5 stars. If you are visiting Shikoku, surely don't miss this one.
Kagoshima Castle		Hmmm, ah yes, there isn't alot to see here. You have everything with the photos posted. The nihon 100 meijo stamp is at the information desk of the Reimeikan(museum on the castlegrounds. At least the museum contained some interesting artifacts. Sometimes i'm puzzled how a castle made it to the nihon 100 meijo. This one probably for its history. I went also to the observatory on the Shiroyama. The view is outstanding and Sakurajima is a must see.
Kakegawa Castle
Kameyama Castle		The works are done and i'll send some photos to the webmaster when back home. There is really not much to see here. If i wasn't in the vicinity, i wouldn't get at this site.
Kaminoyama Castle		After Yamagatajo i went to this castle. The entrance is under repair, but you still can take some nice pictures of the tenshukaku. It's a nice museum inside and there are now a lot of english explanations as Kris tend to say there weren't when he visited. I confirm, there are a lot stairs ;-)This castle is only to visit if you are in the vicinity.
Kanayama Castle		After Ashikagashi yakata i went to this site. I was a bit lazy this morning, so i took a taxi to the guidance centre/museum. The ride is 1370¥. I have nothing to add to the comments here below. It is indeed a very nice place to visit. I followed the recommendations and visited the Kinryûji and Daikoin on my way back to the station. This time i walked and it's easy. Just follow the street down the hill and when you arrive at a t-junction, take left. After a moment you'll see a sign indicating the station at 100 m.
Kanazawa Castle		This is my 3rd visit to Kanazawa. The 2 first visits were in organized tours and the castle wasn't on the schedule. The first time i saw the Ishikawamon from the entrance of the Kenrokuen and the second time we went through this gate and i saw the Gojikken nagaya with its turrets, but that was it. Today i made the tour completely. I began with the Oyama shrine, where a nice statue of Maeda Toshiie on horse, stands. I went to the castle grounds and made a tour before the buildings opened. Sadly during the week the Sanjikken nagaya and the Tsurumaru storehouse stay closed. Apparently they are only open during the weekend. The reconstructed buildings are really a must see.From the castle i went to the Seisonkaku. I skipped the Kenrokuen. I saw it 2 times before. The Seisonkaku has very beautiful shoin zukuri and sukiya zukuri rooms. It is very well known for this.I went on to the Prefectural history museum and the Kaga-Honda museum. These are former storehouses in red bricks. They have some nice artifacts.I went there after to the nagamachi. I visited the Maeda Tosanokami museum, the Shinise merchant house, the Nomura house, the nagayamon of the former Takada home and the ashigaru Shiryokan. These are all interesting buildings.This evening i went back to the castle. To see the castle lit up. There was also a light and music show in the inner garden. There is a calendar for it. I received it at the information booth in the Kanazawa station, when i asked about the castle.I highly recommend to visit this site. Don't forget to ask an english pamphlet in the Kahokumon. You receive one on request.
Kannonji Castle		I saw a model of the kuruwa of this castle in the Shiga Prefectural Archeological museum. This was a very impressive castle. But today it isn't. I went through the Kuwanomidera grounds(fee still 300yen). But after the temple, the trail likes abandoned. There are fallen trees across it. From recent rainfall some sections of the stones are washed away. In some places i was literally walking in a small creek. Then i arrived at the hon no shiro and made a tour around it. I saw the signposts with the names of 4 baileys, including the hon no shiro. There were several other kuruwa, but without names. Since i got a map at the bicycle rental, with only the names of the 4 signposted kuruwa, i couldn't make out which was what.I saw nobody on this site. It was a very big contrast with Azuchijo. If this site wasn't in the proximity of Azuchijo, i would probably not have gone.
Karatsu Castle		This castle merits it's 3.5 stars. Like RaymondW mentionned earlier there are works goning on. Actually they have removed some part of the ishigaki of the tenshudai. I asked a friendly english speaking staffmember when the works will end. They don't know, because during the repairs they have found some original walls. Some parts of the works are halted for studying the discoveries.
Kasugayama Castle		After Takadacastle i went to this site. Due to strong, very stong, winds the trains were delayed. I arrived at 2.30pm instead of 12.52am. Normally the ride from Takada-station to Kasugayama-station is 4min. The first building i went to was the Joetsu-shi deposit cultural assets center. Next to it is a statue of Uesugi Kenshin on his horse. Inside is a little museum(only in japanese, but free). I asked about the 100 meijo stamp and they send me to the Monogatari Holl(written like this on the map). From there i went to the Kasugajinja and the Rinsenji. I highly recommend to visit the museum of this last temple. It contains alot of artifacts : weapons, armors, scrolls... Some replica armors used in the Taiga doramas 'Fuurinkazan' and 'Tenchijin' were also on display. From there i went to the Kasugayamajinja and so on to the honmaru. I was stunned by the lot of boards explaining, in japanese and english, what stood actually there in it's heyday. I didn't expect that. The view from the honmaru is splendid. When i arrived there the wind became strong again and some menacing clouds were coming in, so i decided to take as much as pictures as i could of the panels i encountered, to read them later. I managed to get at the train-station for the train of 5.42pm. The site is really incredible. Even without buildings i give it 2.5stars, also including the shrines and the temple.
Katsuren Castle		After Nakagusukujo i went to this castle. I went to a different busstop and i was lucky when i arrived the bus came in. I got off bus #30 at Koza and went to the busstop for bus #52. This bus stops right at the foot of Katsurenjo. The name of the busstop is Katsurenjoatomae. The site is like Nakagusukujo with some subtle differences. There are signboards all over the place with english translations and QR-codes for some extra explanations. The site has free wifi. The view from the top is outstanding, but beware of the wind. After visiting the castle i went inside the building on the parking lot. It's an informationcentre and shop. Some small artifacts are on show. There is a nice model of the castle like it was in its heyday. There is also a leaflet in english. Some parts of the castle are under reconstruction. The site is free of charge. To get back to Naha it's easy. The bus#52 goes all the way to the centre of Naha. I payed 1190yen, but I got off at the kokusaidori. This was my last castle on Okinawa. Tomorrow i'll be elsewhere.
Kawagoe Castle		I spend the whole day in Kawagoe. I visited a lot of temples and shrines. Like stated below, the Kita-in has the last buildings of the goten of Edojo. These were moved there to rebuild the temple. The goten of Kawagoejo is a must see. The mound of the Fujimiyaguraato is somewhat a letdown. If you buy a combination ticket of 600yen, you'll have access to the goten, the City museum, the City Art museum and the festival museum. There are several combinations, if you're not interested in the 4 musea. In the City museum you'll find a model of Kawagoe city during the Edo-period. The castle is very detailed. Another interesting museum, if you're interested in weapons and armors, is the small History museum. You are allowed to take pictures of everything. I spend more than 1h in that museum. The employees are eager to give some information. No really Kawagoe merits that you spend a complete day to visit.
Kawanoe Castle		After visiting Marugamejo, i went to this castle. It suffered alot in mine opinion due it's a concrete reconstruction and Marugame is an original. At least they tried to make it to ressemble a wooden construction, but not the staircase. The collection inside the tenshu is somewhat interesting. I actually paid nothing to access the tenshu. When i was entering the attendee told me that i had nothing to pay because i was a foreigner. There are 3 buildings on the site, namely: the tenshu, a yaguramon and a suzumeyagura. The park next to the castle was very nice with the sakura in full bloom. The site is very easy to access : exiting the JR-Kawanoe-station you will see a roofed street right before you. Take this street straight ahead untill a T-crossroads. Go left and then the first to the right and you are up to the castle.
Kikuchi Castle		The site is a big one, with alot of strolling paths all around, but there are only the four mentionned buildings to see. In the reception-building you will receive a leaflet in english and you can enjoy a little documentary about the history of the site.(there are english subtitles) You can take a bus bound for Kikuchi onsen(spa, on the bus) from busstop 1, left at the east-exit of Kumamoto-station. The number on the bus is ??1 or ??3(kita(north) 1 or 3). I got off at the busterminal in Kikuchi center. The fee is 790yen. From there i took a taxi, but it i not that far(3km) so i walked back to the busterminal. After the terminal the bus goes in the opposite direction of Kikuchicastle.
Kinojo		This is a very interesting site to visit. I did like the webmaster tells in the notes. They were very helpfull at the Information desk at the Okayama-station. I paid for the taxi-ride 1650yen. The entry to the site is free of fee, but for the effort of maintaining the site and reconstruction i bought the small book(500yen). Even if you don't read japanese, there are alot of interesting pictures and photos inside. There is another book(2000yen) with more indepth information, but too complicated for me. About the site itself: the reconstructed portions are very well done and this is really something different from other castles. I walked the full trail and indeed the view is marvelous. One advice : put your good walking-shoes on, some parts of the trail aren't that easy. I walked back to Hattori-station. The route is very simple : go straight ahead until you see the railroad, then turn to the left and you should see the station.
Kishiwada Castle		I visited this castle today. It is a nice little castle. You can take pictures of it from around the outer and inner bailey, which i found really nice.
Kitanosho Castle		After Fukuijo i visited this place(not far from each other). I really don't know what to say about this one. There is almost nothing left. Only the statue of Shibata Katsuie is nice. I give it 1 star because of the story behind this castle.
Kitsuki Castle		The building is a simple concrete museum, but what did my day is that you are allowed to take pictures of everything inside, and there are some very interesting artifacts. The view from the tower is marvelous. When i arrived at the station i was lucky to encounter an old japanese tourist who was looking to get to the castle. When he saw he had to wait for a bus he adressed a taxi. He heard that i was looking to go to the castle and asked me to go with him. I agreed and he insisted to pay the full fee of the taxi. He spoke english and he was a great token in the castle and after that we went to the samurai residences in the vicinity. Kitsuki is known to have alot of bukeyashiki(samurai-residences) and i confirm that the streets are interesting to visit.
Kiyosu Castle		I went this morning to this castle. The park with the statue of Oda Nobunaga is easy to reach from the JR Kiyosustation. Outside the station turn right and follow the tracks as much as possible. Just before the red brigde leading to the castle go right under the railroadtracks and it is just on the right side. The castle itself was a little disappointing. Being such an historical important place i tought there would have been explanations in english. But nope, everything in japanese and mine is not that good. There were more apparatus of Taiga Dorama and replicas on show than really interesting artifacts. It was confusing to see some replicas and real stuff almost together.
Kochi Castle		This is really a nice castle to visit. You have access to all the buildings in the honmaru and you may take photos of everything. The goten was in very good condition and it's nice to see one just next the tenshukaku. I gave it 4.5 stars because it can't compare to Himeji and Matsumoto, but i really recommend a visit to this castle.
Kofu Castle		I revisted this site today. I was woried by the weather, but after a rainy morning it was very sunny and warm. I leisurely visited the site. I took more than 120 photos(i think my record on one site) and i really enjoyed the reconstructed parts. For info one of the kuroganemon of the honmaru has been reconstructed. It was finished last year. It would be nice if one day the complete castle should be reconstructed, but the railroad-tracks would be in the way.
Kokura Castle		Nothing to add to the comment of RaymondW, apart that i liked to stroll around in the streets of Kokura. There are alot of informationpanels on the streets with a map indicating where you are and the interesting spots surrounding the spot where you are. I arrived too early this morning and the infodesk at the station was still closed, but with the afore mentionned pannels you don't need any other map.
Komaki Castle		After Inuyama, this castle was really disapointing. No possibility to make nice pictures, and not alot to see inside the castle. Nothing in English. Consolation : entryfee is 100yen. I wanted to see both sides of the Komaki\Nagakute Campaign, but i won't recommend visiting this castle.
Komoro Castle
Kubota Castle		After visiting the Jomon/Yayoi settlement, by name Jizoden Yoyoikko, i went to this castle. There isn't alot to see here. The guardhouse was interesting but i was dissapointed by the Osumiyagura. There is only a model of the castle in its heyday and the view from the top floor. 100¥ isn't a lot of money too. I visited also the Satake historical museum. Entry fee also 100¥. This was really rewarding. There are numerous artifacts such as armors, jinbaori(jacket worn over the armor) and hata(flags). The castle-site is a beautiful garden and somehow this is also a problem. The trees hide a lot of the embankments.
Kumamoto Castle		This is really a fabulous caslte to visit. I spent the whole day at the site. I didn't had enough with 1 pair of eyes to look at everything. Nevertheless i give it only 4.5 stars because of that little, very little black spot that is the concrete tenshukaku.
Marugame Castle		Did 2 castles today. This one and Kawanoejo. This castle is easy to access from the JR-Marugame-station. I walked around the outer bailey before entering. It's a vast terrain. When i passed the Ote Ichinomon gate i went to the information desk. I got a little leaflet and a double coupon. 1 coupon halves the price of the entrance to the tenshu (200yen->100yen) The other gives 30% off the entrance to Nakazu Banshoen(garden) (1000yen->700yen). The way up to the tenshu is very steep. The sakura in the ninomaru were loosing their petals. There were still alot with flowers. This gave a nice pink blanket. The tenshu is very small, containing some artifacts. The museum in the outer bailey is free to go. It has not alot to show, but some of the kabuto i saw were really unusual. For ishigaki-lovers, this is a place to go, these are really impressive.
Maruoka Castle		Today i went to this castle. Because of the beautiful weather i decided to walk from Maruoka-station(4.5km). This is a neat castle to visit because it's Japan's oldest authentic keep. There is nothing displayed in the tenshu, but the structure alone is worth the visit. With the ticket for the castle you have access to the little museum beneath the keep. There are some realy interesting artifacts on display, like a piece of an uma-yoroi (horse-armor).
Matsue Castle		This castle is certainly deserving its 5 stars. Like the webmaster told in his notes the pictures of this castle don't make it justice. I didn't believed my eyes when i saw this very big keep and its interior. The artifacts on show on the 2nd floor are plenty and wonderful. I visited the bukeyashiki after it. You can take a leaflet at the information facility just outside the station whereupon are the facilities you get a percentage off the entrance-fee when you are a foreigner. Most of the time the price is halved, by others you get 30% off the fee.
Matsumae Castle		This morning i went to this castle. From Hakodate to Kikonai with the train and then with the bus to Matsumae. For the train i have the JR-PASS and one way drive with the bus is 1250¥. The honmaru gomon and the reconstructed gates are nice but the tenshukaku being in concrete is a let down. I went to several other sites in the city. I'm certain that the place must be very beautiful with the sakura in full bloom. There are some very special specimens in the castle park.
Matsumoto Castle		Revisited this very beautiful site today. For me still the most beautiful castle of Japan. The works at the red bridge and at the eastern side of the honmaru are still being done. Otherwise the buildings are accessible. I made a tour with a english speaking guide. There were alot at the site and were really willing to make a tour. I had a great time with him and we learned some stuff from each other. My guide and the others were astonished by my knowledge of their history. They asked me if i could stay longer and be a guide for french- and dutch-speaking visitors, LOL. I asked about the goten. The city want to rebuild it, but like it was. On that purpose they asked people to provide them with photos and/or plans of the goten during the Edo-period. Unfortunately untill now nobody showed up.
Matsusaka Castle		Went today to this site. There are alot of ishigaki, but because the site is a park, big parts are obstructed by trees all around the place. Nevertheless interesting to visit. The History and folklore museum was closed, i suppose because it was after a holiday. I managed to collect the 100 meijo stamp at the other museum on the castlegrounds.
Matsushiro Castle		Today i went first to the Zenkoji in Nagano. Its reputation is well deserved. From there i went to the Kawanakajima battlefield. I used an Alpico 1-day ticket. For 1400yen you may use several buses to Zenkoji from Nagano station and the bus 30, from bus stop 3, bound for Matsushiro. If you go only to Matsushiro, it isn't interesting. The one way ride is 650yen. This ticket is available at the Alpico information office, next busstop 7, Zenkoji exit of the Nagano station. After Kawanakajima i went to the castle. The busstop now is Matsushiro station. The station is still there. It gave me a strange feeling, since i got off the train there 8 years ago. The castle grounds are well preserved. There are lots of information panels. This time the weather was outstanding and i enjoyed strolling around. After that i visited the Sanada residence, which was closed for repairs 8 years ago. You can buy a multi-ticket, which give you, for 500yen, access to this building, to the Sanada treasures museum and the Bunbu school. In the Sanada residence i encountered a guide, who didn't spoke english. Nevertheless she insisted to guide me. I almost understood everything, but some times i didn't. So when a young visitor came along, the guide grabbed him as translator. His english was as good as mine japanese, but he stayed with us and together we saw some parts of the building that are off limits for visitors. Then i visited the treasure museum. Sadly you aren't allowed to take pictures, but at the end you can put an armor on for free. I went on to the Shirai yashiki, which was also closed 8 years ago. From there i went to the Bunbu school. I saw 2 men practising iaido. I continued to the Zozan jinja and the Yamadera Jozan yashiki. Here the lady gave me a little tour of the building. She spoke a little bit english. I went on to the Yokata yashiki (200yen fee, the others are free). From there i got at the bell tower. It was already 5pm. I didn't went to the other yashiki. The opening hours are from 9am to 5pm. The places are well signposted. This is a great site to visit.
Minowa Castle		I went this morning to this castle, after getting the very useful map at the Visitor information office in Takasaki station. At busstop #2 in front of West-exit of the station i took a bus bound for Misato. The lady at the Visitor office, told me to get off at Misatomotomachi. I saw in my book for collecting the 100meijo stamp that it was better to get off one stop earlier, Tamachi (Misato Tamachi, there is also one at Takasaki). The stamp is at the mayorhouse not so far from this busstop. The busride was 510yen. From the mayorhouse to the castle it's about 2 km. I entered at the shiroyama iriguchi to stroll around the trails. The horikiri are really impressive. I can easily imagine that attacking such a castle must have been difficult. The works are going on for the gates and bridges. I saw some piles of sand, stones and gravel next to the ni-no-maru. Interesting place to visit if you are in the vicinity.
Mito Castle		After Tsuchiura i went to Mito. Exiting north of the station you'll find a nice statue of Mito Komon and several information panels about the castle and how to get there. Like stated below there are schools all over the place and like in Tsuchiura they are surrounded by walls giving a castle feeling. There are information boards all over the place in 4 languages. The big yakuimon(2 first photo's) is accessible to the public from 08h30 untill 16h30. When i arrived at the site of the Otemon i was happy to see that some work has begun to rebuild it. It is scheduled to be done for 09/09/2019. The Kodokan is a must see as the Kobuntei in the Kairakuen. This last is one of the 3 most beautiful gardens in Japan. Now i've done the 3???! One let down was the history museum. Nothing in english and the 2 kabuto and the 1 armor are replicas.
Morioka Castle		Been to this site in the morning rain. I don't have a lot to add at the other comments. It's easy to reach. I discovered that the museum is closed on every 3rd tuesday of the month, but you still can obtain the 100 meijo stamp at the Plaza Odette building a little bit further from the museum.
Nagahama Castle		This castle is beautiful and the artifacts on show are interesting. The view from the upper floor is amazing. You have a clear view on Biwa-lake.
Nagashino Castle		Today was the Nagashino kassen nobori matsuri. I thougt it would be cancelled due to the bad weather of today, but it still took place. First i visited the Shitaragahara historical museum and the fence against the cavalry. You get of at Mikawatogo-station and from there it's abaout 1.3km. The museum has alot of teppou(matchlock guns) on display and other artifacts. You may take photos of almost everything unless otherly stated. The entrance fee is 400 for this museum combined with the Nagashinojou-museum. The Nagashinojou-station is 3 stations away. When i arrived at the castle site there were some teppoutai firing their guns. I took some photos and filmed some sequences. I really didn't tought they should fire their guns with the awfull weather. The museum has nice artifacts on show and almost every text is translated in english. Of the castle site was really not alot to see, because some of the parts were used, and thus offlimits, for the gunners to put on their armors. I give 2 stars not for the Nagashinojou alone, but for the sites combined.
Nagoya Castle		I'm back in Japan for a new castle-tour. I arrived today and visited, for the second time, this castle. I wanted to visit the reconstruction of the goten(palace) during the process. It is really worth to go. You may also see the construction from above of the 2 not yet completed parts. The second part is scheduled for 2016 and the last one for 2018. There are other parts of the castle being restored, but this shouldn't retain you of going. The Nogi storehouse and the northwest corner tower were open to public. Because it's the Golden Week, i thougt there'll be a lot of people, but nope, the grounds were really enjoyable. A last thing : when you buy a day-ticket for the subway or during the weekend a donichi eco-ticket, and you show it at the entrance, you get 100yen reduction.
Nakagusuku Castle		To answer your question Eric, yes i visited today 2 other Okinawan castles. Nakagusukujo was first. Since the bus terminal is almost closed i took the bus #30 in front of the Ryubo department store. I told the busdriver where i was heading and he stopped at the busstop at 2 km from the site. The fee is 750yen. The site is nicely maintained and is bigger than I thought. At the admission counter you receive a leaflet in english and the indication panels are translated. Like all okinawan castles it is completely different from japanese ones, being built during the Ryukyu period.
Nakamura Castle
Nakatsu Castle		For a concrete reconstruction, it's a nice one. It's not too far from the station. There are alot of interesting artifacts on show and you're allowed to take pictures. One of the doors of the castle, outside the actual castle-grounds, is used as one of the entrances of a school. The ishigaki of the Otemon are still present, but engulfed by modern buildings. You see that the people of Nakatsu is pleased by the choice of the next Taiga dorama personnage, namely Kuroda Kanbei. You see flags and other stuff everywhere about it.
Ne Castle		I completely agree with the webmaster's notes. This is a very interesting site to visit. Exiting from the east exit of Hachinohe station, take the bus P8 at busstop #1, get off at Nejo busstop. Before arriving there you'll see the castle-site to your left. The ride costs 200yen. The entrance fee for the museum, which i also recommend, and the castle is 400yen. I had a chat with a guide at the honmaru. He told me several interesting things and he showed me a gingko tree which was 700 years old. It was there when the castle was build. The guide and other persons in the area liked my t-shirt. I wore one with the fūrinkazan on it. Apparently the Nanbu are related to the Takeda. One of their kamon is the yonbishi. The Nanbu moved from Kai province some time before the building of Nejo. The bus to Hachinohe station is the 60 or 63. There are several other busses passing at the Nejo busstop, but they don't go to this station.
Nihonmatsu Castle		After Shirakawajo i went to this one. What can I say more than the other comments? The hike to the site from the station is pleasant. The site itself is vast. There are a lot of trails, roads, paths and stairs all over the place. Like already stated below, a lot of explanation boards, with english translations, really thumbs up, are present. I think i didn't saw them all, because of the maze of trails. The view from the tenshukakudai, which is completely repaired, is astonishing. I met my first japanese snake on the site. I first thought it was a big twig, about 80cm long, on the stair, but when I got my foot over it, it spurred into the grass. I asked a passerby if these are dangerous, but apparently they aren't. 'No poison' he told me.
Nijo Castle		I visited this wonderful site again today. The great eastern gate is now being restored and completely under scaffolds. It remains the entrance to the castle. The exhibition hall was also closed, but we enjoyed the visit of the palace. I got my 100 meijo stamp under a tent to the right after entering the castle grounds.
Nishio Castle		After Okazaki, i went to this castle. The Ushitorayagura and museum were open and it's free. I could also take photos of everything in the museum which contains some nice armors and other artifacts. The reconstructed gate is very well done. I don't see any images or commentary of the reconstructed tenshukakudai. This has a very newish look and apparently they are still making work on the west side of it. I give it only 2.5 stars because there is no tenshu, but don't hesitate to visit. It will be nice to see some other parts reconstructed.

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