Gujō Hachiman Castle Sep 18, 2024

Gujō Hachiman Castle

In Japan"s Gifu Prefecture, Gujō Hachiman Castle stands majestically on Hachiman Mountain. Originally constructed in 1559, this castle has witnessed centuries of Japanese history, including the rise and fall of powerful clans. It was torn down during the tumultuous Meiji Restoration—the period that marked the return of imperial power in the country— but was rebuilt in 1933. The castle seen in today"s image is a unique wooden reconstruction, a rarity among Japan"s often concrete-rebuilt castles. This five-story structure, which includes a museum, offers a glimpse into feudal Japan while providing stunning views of the valley below. In addition to the castle, the city of Gujō is also famous for hosting the Gujō Odori, one of Japan"s oldest dance festivals. Held annually from mid-July to early September, the festival sees locals and tourists alike dancing through the night in the castle town, preserving a tradition that dates back more than 400 years.

© ta2funk ito/500px/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Sep 18, 2023Milky Way over Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Portugal
Sep 18, 2025Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Oct 6, 2024Coyote Gulch, Glen Canyon Recreation Area, Utah
Mar 25, 2026Juvenile manatees in a freshwater spring, Crystal River, Florida
Sep 22, 2025Aspen trees, Fishlake National Forest, Utah, United States
Oct 31, 2023Pumpkins and squashes
Jun 21, 2024Reticulated giraffes
Jan 16, 2025Pinnacles National Park, California, United States
Oct 31, 2024Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
May 22, 2026Pont d’Arc, Ardèche
Feb 5, 2025Scottish Blackface sheep, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Dec 7, 2025A pine forest in Alsace, France
Dec 5, 2023Castles in the Bavarian Alps
Dec 5, 2025Maya site of Copán, Honduras
May 10, 2026Polar bears in Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada
Feb 12, 2025Marine iguanas, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Aug 17, 2024Alfanzina lighthouse, Algarve, Portugal
May 22, 2025Baobab trees at sunset, Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
Mar 18, 2026Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Portland, Oregon, USA
Jun 26, 2025Horse Head Rock, New South Wales, Australia
Sep 17, 2023Cuban tody, Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, Cuba
May 12, 2024Guanaco mother and baby
Feb 17, 2026Ochagavía, Navarre, Spain
July 31, 2026Virginia Creeper Trail, Damascus, Virginia, United States
Feb 5, 2024Monarch butterflies
Feb 10, 2026Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell, Ibiza, Spain
Feb 13, 2024Saint-Pierre-Quiberon, France
Dec 13, 2024St. Stephens Basilica, Budapest, Hungary
Oct 30, 2023Common raven
Aug 3, 2026Colourful boats in Marsaxlokk Harbour, Malta
Jan 19, 2024Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Apr 1, 2024Mer de Glace, Chamonix, France