ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

100 Fine Castles of Japan

Okay kiddo, let's talk about castles in Japan! Castles are big, strong buildings that were used to protect people who lived inside them. And Japan has lots of them - over 100, in fact!

These castles were built hundreds of years ago, when Japan was ruled by powerful samurai warriors. They were used as fortresses to keep enemies out, and as places for the samurai lords to live and work.

The castles were made of wood and stone, and they were often very tall, with lots of levels and rooms inside. They had special features to help them defend against attacks, like thick walls, narrow corridors, and hidden passageways.

Some of the most famous castles in Japan include Himeji Castle, which looks like a giant bird with outstretched wings, and Matsumoto Castle, which is dubbed as the "Crow Castle" because of its black exterior.

Today, many of these castles are still standing and tourists can visit them to learn more about Japan's rich history and culture. So, if you ever go to Japan, make sure to check out some of these impressive landmarks!