Bookstore

Japan's ancient castles provide deep insights into the country's compelling military history. Discover the secrets of Japan's feudal past by exploring the most famous castles of the Samurai era. The enormous stone walls, multi-level towers, and sophisticated defense systems are not simply impressive fortresses, but spectacular works of Japanese architecture, constructed without the use of steel or modern equipment. These monumental structures fulfilled a need for protection without sacrificing aesthetic values. Understanding the cultural contexts of these Samurai castles helps create a better understanding of Japanese culture today. In this fascinating Japanese castle book you will discover the rich history and creators of well-known castles such as Himeji, Osaka, and Nijo that you would otherwise need to travel to Japan to experience in person. Chronicling the story of each castle individually conveys a greater understanding of how and why they were built, and identifies their singular features for historians, architecture aficionados, world travelers, and Japanophiles alike. With over two hundred colour images, numerous diagrams, maps, and detailed descriptions, Samurai Castles is the most comprehensive Japanese history book on this intriguing topic. "In her new book Samurai Castles, author Dr. Jennifer Mitchelhill and photographer David Green spent over three years documenting 24 of Japan's samurai-era castles. The idea? To understand the aesthetic details, cultural values and historic happenings surrounding these architectural marvels." -CNN Travel "With great beauty, this book uncovers the great function of these epic buildings and how they worked. The book is highly visual, packed with maps and photos which are a testament to Japanese design and building." - Martial Arts & Action Movies blog "...focuses on some of the country's best castles and the stories behind them." -GaijinPot.com "...provides a comprehensive introduction to two dozen of Japan's most prominent castles. History buffs are treated to more aforementioned locales as the author then lists Japan's 100 most important castles...Architecture aficionados will appreciate the chapter dedicated to such structures, and if you're motivated to visit one of Japan's more prestigious castles, you'll have some idea what you're looking at, since Mitchelhill supplies meticulous information about each castle, as well as practical tips for prospective visitors." -JQ Magazine "...a wonderful coffee table book with marvelous photographs of Japanese castles, the interiors and architecture...I would highly recommend that anyone who is going to visit Japan pick up this book and incorporate a few of these castles into their trip." -Man of La Book blog "It has tremendous pictures that really capture a certain calm aspect that the castles were originally designed to emote. The write ups are brief, but fulfilling and accurate. If you are interested in expanding your cultural understanding of samurai and how they lived in order to deepen you understanding of your martial art, then this is a great book." -Martial Thoughts "In Samurai Castles, author Jennifer Mitchelhill uncovers the history behind some of Japan's most iconic structures, gives personal tips on what not to miss and detailed directions for getting there." -Global Traveler

Samurai Castles: History / Architecture / Visitors' Guides