The Azuchi-Momoyama Period
The Azuchi–Momoyama period took place from 1568–1600, which is when Japan was going through a process of unification after just being over a long period of civil war. This period brought out the style of castles in Japan. It became so advanced, by this time in Japan, each domain was allowed to keep and own a castle. Each castle had a central tower, Tenshu as the Japanese call it, which surrounded the gardens and assigned buildings. The castle’s were made with huge stone walls, and was secured my a surrounding moat filled with water. The interior was designed with paintings from artists, and instead of doors, spaces were separated by folding screens.
Verandas were used to join the interiors of homes and residential buildings, with extravagant gardens. The folding screens called byōbu, were starting to becoem highly decorated with paintings, and there would also be a room with shelves to place artworks, which were at the time calligraphic scrolls.
Castles which really reflect on that time were the Matsumoto, Kumamoto and Himeji castles (also know as the White Heron Castle).
Verandas were used to join the interiors of homes and residential buildings, with extravagant gardens. The folding screens called byōbu, were starting to becoem highly decorated with paintings, and there would also be a room with shelves to place artworks, which were at the time calligraphic scrolls.
Castles which really reflect on that time were the Matsumoto, Kumamoto and Himeji castles (also know as the White Heron Castle).
Interior of castles
Defense systems were taken very heavily in Japan at the time, explaining their elaborate mazes, halls and tunnels that would run through the house. In the walls there were triangular or circular holes, made to be able to fire arrows and guns, and also to pour boiling oil and rocks to their enemies.
Many secret doors and traps were made as well to try to attack enemies. For example, in some rooms there would be secret doors on the floor, which will allow people to throw rocks or other harmful weapons to their enemies.
On the left are the most typical ways castle's were designed to protect themselves.
Many secret doors and traps were made as well to try to attack enemies. For example, in some rooms there would be secret doors on the floor, which will allow people to throw rocks or other harmful weapons to their enemies.
On the left are the most typical ways castle's were designed to protect themselves.