450 years ago, thousands of castles dotted the Japanese landscape. Hundreds fell in samurai battles
450 years ago, thousands of castles dotted the Japanese landscape. Hundreds fell in samurai battles or were simply abandoned, while over the years others succumbed to earthquake and fire. During the Tokugawa or Edo period, an edict limiting each clan lord to a single castle meant hundreds more were abandoned and dismantled. At the end of the Tokugawa period, in 1868, just 183 castles remained. In 1873, 144 castles across the nation were demolished, razed or sold off in Japan’s effort to shake of feudalism and embrace westernization. By the end of the Meiji period, only 39 castles remained. During World War 2, American air raid bombing destroyed another 24 castles, and today, there are just 12 remaining in original condition. Of those 12, only 4 are listed as National Treasures. (http://s.ameblo.jp/chrisglenn/) -- source link
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