In the end of 16th century, the end of the civil war period was nearly. Some daimyo survived this period. The most famous and strongest daimyo was Oda Nobunaga who was from Aichi Prefecture. He ruled the important regions of Japan and his army was making attacks against the other daimyos. He built Azuchi-Jo castle in 1576. This was the first castle that has a superior Tenshukaku. It was the symbol of Nobunagafs power and wealth. But in 1582, Nobunaga was killed by Akechi Mitsuhide who is under him, and Azuchi-Jo was destroyed in this battle.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi who is one subordinate military commander of Nobunaga combated with Mitsuhide and won. He inherited Nobunagafs territory. And at last, he unified Japan in 1590. Hideyoshi also built many castles like Osaka-Jo castle and Hushimi-Jo castle.
After Hideyoshifs death, Tokugawa Ieyasu unified again, and established Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. Ieyasu also built castles. For examples, Edo-Jo castle and Nagoya-Jo castle was built by him. And in this period, other daimyos built castles. Most of these castles were built on the level land. It was functional to rule their territory and develop the territory. These castles had Tenshukaku. Tenshukaku has two functions. One is just a watchtower. Of course, Tenshukaku is the tallest building of castles. The other is the symbol of the power of the lord.
Now there are only twelve castles that have Tenshukaku in existence. I introduce you some web site about these castles, and you will be moved with these castles' beauty.
Himeji-Jo castle photos
