Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Fukuoka Castle (June 2026)

My second visit to the Fukuoka Castle ruins: lotus on the moat, a slower route through Matsunokizaka, and an excavation under way at the keep base to investigate the castle's long-rumored keep.

2026.06.23

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Kumamoto Castle (June 2026, Day 2)

Numbered stones awaiting their turn, a crane finally in motion, the aerial privy, old photos laid over the now, and signing up as a reconstruction castle lord.

2026.06.15

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Kumamoto Castle (June 2026, Day 1)

A castle keep brought back to life, and stone walls still lying in ruins. A solo day at Kumamoto Castle as it is right now, mid-recovery.

2026.06.14

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Imabari Castle

I'd planned on Matsuyama Castle, but Tōdō Takatora lured me to Imabari Castle instead. Fish in a seawater moat, a faithfully reconstructed armory turret, and even Osaka Castle from the plane home.

2026.06.01

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Uwajima Castle (May 2026)

One of Japan's 12 surviving original keeps, and the first castle Tōdō Takatora built for himself. Battling 31°C heat with sour dried plums, I marveled at the castle's oldest stone walls and its compact keep.

2026.05.31

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Fukuoka Castle (April 2026)

No keep, no problem. Fukuoka Castle's nozurazumi stone walls, a newly restored turret, plus a clear gojo-in stamp — all part of a memorable solo visit.

2026.04.21

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Edo Castle (March 2026)

Slipping into the Imperial Palace East Gardens to fill an empty morning. Awed by a keep base that has stood brand new for 370 years, replaying Chushingura at the Great Pine Corridor, and failing to buy a single stamp or castle seal.

2026.03.14

Castle Hopping

Castle Hopping: Inuyama Castle (March 2026)

A quick side trip from Nagoya turned into a full-on crush. After spotting Inuyama Castle on a TV drama, I went to see Japan's oldest surviving keep, got the jitters on its scary top-floor balcony, collected castle cards and seals, and accidentally fell head over heels for castle hopping.

2026.03.04

Castle Hopping