Materials 

Stone

The main material used in building ancient castles in Japan was stone, and many even say that “Japanese natural stone stands as a testament to centuries of architectural wisdom, combining raw geological beauty with unparalleled sustainability”(Gilberto). Stone was so durable that it was used for the bases of the heaviest structures and castles. Stone also stopped soil erosion and weather damage in buildings, which “allowed castle designers to raise new structures that would previously have been thought impossible”(Turnball 139). 

The stones used in royal structures, like castles, were all naturally made along Japan’s archipelago. Every single stone used in the castles represented more than just rocks; they each had a cultural representation, even the cheap stones, like Aji Granite. People used stones in their homes in order to preach the idea of harmony between man and nature. On the left, you can see Osaka Castle and its stone base.

Wood

Japan’s second most commonly used material is wood, due to Japan being considered a “land of trees.” In its architecture, traditional Japanese buildings, like castles, use a variety of wood, the most commonly used one being Hinoki Cypress. This cypress is considered an aromatic-wood, and has a glossy white color. Hinoki was the number one kind of wood used in castles’ roofs due to it being very resistant to water. The next kind of wood is Sugi, which was very flexible and textured, perfect for traditional handicraft, like the frames for paintings hung on castle walls. The wood most commonly used in castle defense was Keyaki, due to its incredible sturdiness, and resistance to wear and tear. Keyaki was also rare and valuable, which was why castles used this wood, to show their wealth and power. Finally, Sakura, or cherry blossom wood, was used throughout the castle’s gardens and passages to further connect the castle’s inhabitants to the nature around them.