Japan's Stone Wall Culture from Ancient Times to Today

By Yukari Yamano

In 1590, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had control of the Kanto region, laid siege to Odawara Castle. After months of standoff, a castle suddenly appeared on the southern hills—Ishigakiyama (Stone Wall Mountain) Castle, known as the "castle built in one night." In reality, it took about 80 days to construct, but Hideyoshi made it appear as if it was built overnight by clearing the trees, making it a strategic psychological move in the siege.

What made this "miracle" possible was the craftsmanship of stone walls.

However, Japan's stone wall culture didn't begin in the Warring States period. In fact, its origins stretch back to ancient times.

The Origins of Stone Walls—The Wisdom of Stacking Stones that Dates Back to Ancient Times

The roots of Japan’s stone wall culture go back much further than the Warring States period. The origins can be traced all the way back to ancient times, in particular to the Kofun period with stone burial chambers and the Asuka and Nara periods with the construction of ancient mountain castles (Kodai-yamajiro). In the latter half of the 7th century, in preparation for possible invasions from the Korean Peninsula, mountain castles were built with stone walls, and this early technique gradually developed into the sophisticated stone stacking techniques that we know today.

These early methods influenced the design of temples, residential structures, gardens, and castles, giving rise to Japan’s unique tradition of stone construction.

The Golden Age of Castles and Stone Walls—Innovations by Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu

Stone walls became central to castle architecture during the late Warring States period. In 1576, Oda Nobunaga built Azuchi Castle, which is considered Japan’s first large-scale stone castle. Nobunaga’s use of massive stone walls, built into the slopes of the mountains, was revolutionary, marking a clear departure from the earthen walls of previous castles. His use of stone signified both strength and elegance.

Following Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi continued the innovation of stone wall construction, building massive stone walls at Osaka Castle and Kumamoto Castle, among others. These projects set the stage for the spread of the stone wall technique across Japan.

Later, under Tokugawa Ieyasu, many castles, including Edo Castle, were built or renovated with stone walls, and the craft of stone construction reached its peak during the Edo period.

The One Castle Per Province Rule and the Preservation and Development of Stone Walls

In 1603, the Tokugawa Shogunate enacted the "One Castle Per Province Rule", limiting the number of castles a feudal lord could own to one. While this policy suppressed the construction of new castles, it led to the careful maintenance and repair of existing stone walls. This ensured the preservation of the craft and allowed the techniques to be passed down through generations.

During this period, stone walls became not just military structures but also symbols of prestige and beauty, reflecting the power and status of the ruling class.

Three Representative Styles of Stone Walls

Nozura-zumi (Field-Stone Wall)

This is the oldest form, where natural stones are stacked without much processing. The rugged beauty of these walls is one of their defining features. Example: Maruoka Castle (Fukui)

Uchikomi-hagi (Pounded-and-Chipped Stone Wall)

Stones are shaped and placed with minimal gaps between them, striking a balance between durability and appearance. Example: Himeji Castle (Hyogo)

Kiri-komi-hagi (Cut-and-Made Stone Wall)

This method involves precisely cutting stones to fit perfectly together like pieces of a puzzle, showcasing advanced craftsmanship. Example: Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto) — Famous for the "Musha-gaeshi" (warrior-repelling) stone walls

The Stone Walls of Seattle Japanese Garden—A Tradition to Be Preserved

Japan’s stone wall culture is quietly present in the Seattle Japanese Garden as well. In the North Harbor Area, the stone walls symbolize harmony with nature and are an integral part of the Japanese garden aesthetic.

However, these stone walls are in need of restoration due to the natural wear and tear of time.

Your Contribution Helps Preserve a Cultural Legacy

Japanese stone walls are layers of history, artistic expressions of nature and human ingenuity, and silent symbols of strength.

To preserve this culture for future generations, and to maintain the beauty and harmony of the Seattle Japanese Garden, we ask for your support in the stone wall restoration project.