Kumamoto Castle

Kyushu, Japan

Kato Kiyomasa, a powerful ally of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, built Kumamoto-jo (1607) as a refuge for Hideyoshi's son, Hideyori. It is considered one of Japan's greatest castles. Its donjon, destroyed in the Satsuma Rebellion (1877), is a modern reconstruction.

Unfortunately, the castle was heavily damaged by earthquake in April, 2016. These photos were taken sixteen years earlier.