These formidable fortresses look intimidating from the outside, but often austere and spartan inside except in some cases for the wall paintings.
Okayama Castle
Absolutely barren inside
Matsue Castle
Still intact
The outer moat, Matsue Castle
The outer moat of Nijo Castle, Kyoto
Fine carving and intricate metalwork
Inner gate Karamon, Nijo Castle, Kyoto
Osaka Castle
Needing a good weeding
One of the massive pieces of stone,
Osaka Castle
Sublime wall painting, Nijo Castle
