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Castles, Gardens and Architecture
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The years from the Medieval Period to the Modern Age marked the era when samurai warriors rose to power, and Japan was divided into small states in which many castles were built. The early castles were forts built mostly in mountainous districts for warfare purposes. With the coming of the Modern Age, many enormous castles were constructed during the Edo Period when the Shogun ruled over Edo (present-day Tokyo) as symbols of the wealth and power of the daimyo (feudal lords) who ruled over provincial domains. The graceful Himeji-jo, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, is one such castle.
