The History of Castles in Japan
Pre- Buddhist Era: The main style of buildings were thatched roof, light timber walls, and a platform that raised the floor up. They were simple Shinto shrines. China and Korea greatly influenced buildings at this time.
“The main monuments surviving are the great tumuli and tombs centering round the plain of Yamato, south-east of Osaka.
These tumuli are of Korean style, and probably are related to the stupas of China " (Hitchcock)
Yamato Period (538-645): The introduction of Buddhism increased contact with China brought ideas of building on larger scale. During this time the Haiyu-ji temple, and Shinto tenuoji temples were built. Korean and Chinese craftsmen built the temples during the Yamato Period.
Nara Period (645-793): During this time the influence of the mainland over Japan’s architecture reached its height. The capital city, Nara was greatly based off of Ch’ang-an in China. Many buildings built during this time had elaborate roofs, glazed tile, red external woodwork and columns, and colorfully painted interiors. Traditional Japanese style buildings were still being constructed.
Heian Period (794-1185): The capital was moved to Heian during this time period. This new city was also based off of Chinese city plans just like Nara. The city was symmetrical with the imperial palace at the center. Buildings during this time continued to become more elaborate and decorated.
KamaKura Period (1185-1337): During this time of rebellion, Minamoto claimed victory and a military government were established. The idea of Zen in Buddhism became influential. Zen stressed simplicity; temples and halls followed a Chinese symmetrical floor plan. Also woodwork was left undecorated in temples.
Muromachi Period (1338-1573): During this time foreign traders brought back paintings from China, and large colorful painting were hung in palaces. Zen stressed the need for quiet and natural surroundings, so temples and palaces in Japan were built in beautiful gardens.
Monoyama Period (1573-1638): Toyotomi Hideyoshi build the castles of Monoyama and Osaka. Also missions were sent to China to maintain contact with them. During this time period, Christianity began to spread as the Portugese began to arrive. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi fell from power, Tokugawa Ieyasu took control. He repaired many damaged or destroyed feudal castle built by Hideyoshi, including Osaka Castle. The castles that were reconstructed were better suited for earthquakes. They were also given defensive walls with watchtowers, and were surrounded by a moat. The castles at this time were mainly used for military and defense purposes.
Yedo Period (1615-1867): The Tokugawa Shogunate was founded, and Japan went into isolation. The capital was moved to Yedo (Tokyo) and the modern day imperial palace was built. Katsura is an imperial palace that was built in 1620 and is the perfect example of Japanese architecture at this time. It is a group of buildings with entrance gates, tea houses, and is surrounded by a lake and a garden.
Pre- Buddhist Era: The main style of buildings were thatched roof, light timber walls, and a platform that raised the floor up. They were simple Shinto shrines. China and Korea greatly influenced buildings at this time.
“The main monuments surviving are the great tumuli and tombs centering round the plain of Yamato, south-east of Osaka.
These tumuli are of Korean style, and probably are related to the stupas of China " (Hitchcock)
Yamato Period (538-645): The introduction of Buddhism increased contact with China brought ideas of building on larger scale. During this time the Haiyu-ji temple, and Shinto tenuoji temples were built. Korean and Chinese craftsmen built the temples during the Yamato Period.
Nara Period (645-793): During this time the influence of the mainland over Japan’s architecture reached its height. The capital city, Nara was greatly based off of Ch’ang-an in China. Many buildings built during this time had elaborate roofs, glazed tile, red external woodwork and columns, and colorfully painted interiors. Traditional Japanese style buildings were still being constructed.
Heian Period (794-1185): The capital was moved to Heian during this time period. This new city was also based off of Chinese city plans just like Nara. The city was symmetrical with the imperial palace at the center. Buildings during this time continued to become more elaborate and decorated.
KamaKura Period (1185-1337): During this time of rebellion, Minamoto claimed victory and a military government were established. The idea of Zen in Buddhism became influential. Zen stressed simplicity; temples and halls followed a Chinese symmetrical floor plan. Also woodwork was left undecorated in temples.
Muromachi Period (1338-1573): During this time foreign traders brought back paintings from China, and large colorful painting were hung in palaces. Zen stressed the need for quiet and natural surroundings, so temples and palaces in Japan were built in beautiful gardens.
Monoyama Period (1573-1638): Toyotomi Hideyoshi build the castles of Monoyama and Osaka. Also missions were sent to China to maintain contact with them. During this time period, Christianity began to spread as the Portugese began to arrive. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi fell from power, Tokugawa Ieyasu took control. He repaired many damaged or destroyed feudal castle built by Hideyoshi, including Osaka Castle. The castles that were reconstructed were better suited for earthquakes. They were also given defensive walls with watchtowers, and were surrounded by a moat. The castles at this time were mainly used for military and defense purposes.
Yedo Period (1615-1867): The Tokugawa Shogunate was founded, and Japan went into isolation. The capital was moved to Yedo (Tokyo) and the modern day imperial palace was built. Katsura is an imperial palace that was built in 1620 and is the perfect example of Japanese architecture at this time. It is a group of buildings with entrance gates, tea houses, and is surrounded by a lake and a garden.