Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu prefecture, Japan Sep 18, 2024

Gujō Hachiman Castle, Gifu prefecture, Japan

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, 2018A red knot on the Shetland Islands, Scotland
Sep 18, 2019Celebrating Chile’s Independence Day
Sep 18, 2020Homeward bound
Sep 18, 2021Hanging out on a limb
Sep 18, 2022World Bamboo Day
Sep 18, 2023Fall Astronomy Week
Sep 18, 2025Dunquin Pier, County Kerry, Ireland

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Oct 2, 2020A wild and scenic scene
Jul 14, 2023Shark Awareness Day
May 17, 2023Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, California
Apr 2, 2025Sandstone formations in the badlands near Caineville, Utah
Feb 1, 2019‘Stepping’ into Black History Month
Jan 25, 2020Happy New Year! (Again!)
Dec 29, 2025St. Gregory Church in Ani Ruins, Kars, Türkiye
Sep 28, 2023World Maritime Day
Jun 6, 2022Indigo bunting
Nov 10, 202547 years of Badlands National Park
Feb 11, 2026Death Valley National Parks Anniversary
Feb 6, 2023Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Apr 7, 2023International Beaver Day
May 3, 2021It s Teacher Appreciation Week
Feb 13, 2019Life goes on at the Beatles Ashram
Nov 13, 2021Ronda, Spain
Aug 12, 2020King of the dinosaurs
Oct 5, 2022World Teachers Day
Jan 1, 2026Happy New Year!
Apr 17, 2025Andean cocks-of-the-rock, Ecuador
May 18, 2018It’s Endangered Species Day
Nov 5, 2023Playa del Silencio, Spain
Feb 6, 2020A hint of spring
Apr 18, 2018A crested partridge
Jan 28, 2020US Coast Guard: Protecting us for 105 years
Sep 3, 2021Welcome to the Alien Egg Hatchery
Feb 18, 2020Too awesome to be a planet
Dec 6, 2025Celebrating 78 years of Everglades National Park
May 19, 2021A path lain with petals
Aug 9, 2021A tribute to the ancestors