A historic city on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, Kumamoto is renowned for its imposing castle, rich regional food culture and friendly, welcoming inhabitants.

But for those fascinated by Japan's feudal past, the country's castles are a must-see, and its largest, Himeji Castle, costs just 1,000 yen (under $7) to visit. Looming from atop a hill in Himeji, ...

In Japanese mythology, a gigantic catfish living underground causes earthquakes. The ruins of Shigetsu Castle’s stone walls lie further north of the location where the city’s cultural property ...

Upon being proclaimed Shogun (feudal military dictator) of Japan in 1603, Ieyasu constructed a palace that would reflect his supreme power. Nijo Castle in central Kyoto was certainly ostentatious ...

The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, has supported Japan’s nomination strategy that emphasizes the castle’s role ...

Read the following text, and answer questions 1-9 below: [1] A local government in northern Japan is asking people for blueprints, photos and floor plans of a 16th-century castle. This castle once ...