The Europeans weren't the only people to build castles. Castles have been built by nearly every major culture all over the world, most of which can be found at Castles of the World. Daimyo, the feudal lords of Japan, built castles where they could retreat to if need be, but the castles were also status symbols - the bigger and more extravagant the castle, the more wealthy and powerful the daimyo. Eventually most governmental and economical activity began to center around the castle, and towns sprang up in the perimeter of the larger castles, eventually growing into cities such as Tokyo. These castle towns added to the castle's defense, made up as they were of myriad dead ends and circles and U-turns. The towns that had one direct path to the castle's entrance kept that path the most heavily guarded, nearly impassible. Most, if not all of the samurai attached to the castle's daimyo had their permanent home in the castle town. Their rank was shown by their house's size and proximity to the castle.

There were often many towers in a single castle, which allowed archers to fire on the attackers from different angles. The gates often had single-story towers over them. The main tower, in the center of the castle, was usually several stories high, often built of wood with the base made of stone. Wooden towers were thickly plastered and the gates covered with iron plates.

For Further Information:

Hikone Castle