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Japan Sightseeing Guide

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Dear visitor, if you know the answer to this question, please post it. Thank you! Japanese Castles 2009/6/3 I will be in Japan for 10 days in August and want to see as many castles as I can. What are some good groupings of castles that people go and see together (like if they are to see 2 or 3 castles in a day)? So far I plan on seeing Nagoya, Matsumoto, Himeji, Hikkone, Osako, Nijo and Inuyama - any other suggestions? by Dragkin (guest)   ... 2009/6/3 Osaka, Himeji and Okayama would make a nice and busy 1-day combo. You could also replace Okayamajo by Nijojo. Nagoya, Inuyama and Hikone would be another nice 1-day combo. by Uji rate this post as useful mid-summer 2009/6/3 Bear in mind that it will be very hot and visiting castles usually involves a lot of walking- don't be too ambitious unless you are used to being active in 35 degrees C (possibly higher) and high humidity. by Sira (guest) rate this post as useful Himeji Jyo (castle) is the best. 2009/6/3 Have visited a few castles in Japan and must say that Himeji Jyo was the best of them. It is quite a big castle and it will take you a few hours to get around it especially in summer when it is quite hot. You would really want to spend enough time to soak up the atmosphere and get a feel for the place. by guitarposer rate this post as useful Check out JCastle 2009/6/3 Depending on what interests you, you can check out this site to see where they are and photos. http://www.jcastle.info/castle/map/ by Anaguma (guest) rate this post as useful J castles info 2009/6/3 There are only 12 J castles with original keep now. http://www013.upp.so-net.ne.jp/gauss/japan222.gif The 5 castles designated National Treasures. -Himeji -Hikone -Matsumoto -Inuyama(near Nagoya) -Nijo(in Kyoto) If you are also interested in castle site, Takeda Castle and Takatori Castle are famous. more info http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/castle_town/index.h... by Ts (guest) rate this post as useful Slow 2009/6/4 I would slow down a bit. Taking a good slow look at Himeji Castle will take most of the day. You can also wander the surrounding gardens. If you arrive early you might be able to get a volunteer guide to show you around. I would also recommend you do some back ground research so you know what you are looking at. You can start at http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3501.html Osaka Castle is more of a museum in the shape of a castle than an actual castle. The current building was built in 1931 and has an elevator that will take you to the top. by ryokans rate this post as useful