Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu Prefecture, Japan 18 Sep 2024

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

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

More Desktop Wallpapers:

19 Jun 2025Cinque Torri, Dolomites, Italy
23 Nov 2023Teide National Park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
When ice imitates art
22 Sep 2024Autumn equinox
In a world of their own
More of a moustache than a beard?
Happy 70th to the North York Moors
Waterborne wizardry
30 May 2025Little Pigeon River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, United States
18 Apr 2024International Day for Monuments and Sites
1 Nov 2024Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Just a pinch
9 Mar 2025The Shard, London
11 Mar 2025Broken Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia
Fly me to the moon
2 Jul 2025Spine-cheeked anemonefish
24 Jun 2024Kelimutu, Flores, Indonesia
16 Oct 2024Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England
16 Apr 2025Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States
29 Oct 2024Great horned owl
25 Jan 2024Burns Night
3 Feb 2026Emerald Bay and Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe, California, United States
27 Mar 2026World Theatre Day
The worlds most exclusive beach?
27 Aug 2025World Lake Day
22 Oct 2025Belogradchik Rocks, Bulgaria
27 Oct 2023Sligachan Old Bridge, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Blood moon
2 Sep 2025Camel thorn trees, Namib-Naukluft Park, Namibia
18 Aug 2024The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival