Inuyama Jo

Located in central Honshu, the Hirayama Jiro is the second oldest extent castle in Japan. The lower two stories were originally a fortified mansion and probably built in the mid-16th century. The two story belvedered that sits on top the large roof was probably added around 1600. The Kara hafu were added from 1618 to 1687. The ishigaki is of an older style called Nozura Zumi, which is used for traditional shrines and temples. On the right of the tenshu, the Tsuke Yagura was probably incorporated to reinforce the tenshu's entrance. The opposite side of the tenshu is next to a sheer cliff which drops down to a river below. The daimyo could look out from the top floor of the tenshu and keep an eye on his enemies.