The Attic

© Epoch

Himeji castle

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle." Birdlike or not, here it is nicely offset by the banks of azaleas in the foreground.

Himeji Castle website (includes English version)

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued February 2021
An Epoch puzzle: 3000 pieces; 1020 x 730 mm (40" x 29")
Code: E21507 (21-507 on package)
Retail price ¥4200

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Aizu-wakamatsu Castle

Although this castle boasts a history stretching back more than 600 years, it was damaged in the Battle of Aizu — hostilities during the switch from the rule of the Shoguns to the Meiji restoration — and the main tower was destroyed by 1874. It was rebuilt (in reinforced concrete) in 1965, and finally in 2011 the black roof tiles were returned to the authentic red tiles from the time of its destruction. The castle grounds contain around a thousand cherry trees, and hydrangeas, as we see here.

The castle is in the modern city of Aizu-wakamatsu, after which it is usually named in English, but it is also known as Tsurugajô, or "Crane Castle".

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued November 2020
An Epoch puzzle: 2542 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E76608 (76-608 on package)
Retail price ¥3400

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Himeji Castle with azaleas

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle." Birdlike or not, here it is nicely offset by the banks of azaleas in the foreground.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2542 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E76612 (76-612 on package)
Retail price ¥3400

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Himeji Castle

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle."

Himeji Castle website (includes English version)

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23549 (23-549 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Matsumoto castle

Matsumoto, high in the Japan Alps, has one of the best-preserved castles in Japan — and this wide-angle view gives a good look at the details of its construction.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23552 (23-552 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Okayama castle gardens

These gardens around Okayama castle (which we see in the background) were built in the Edo period, taking just 13 years and completed in 1700. Of classical layout, with a different vista at every turn, the gardens are formally known as Kôrakuen, and are regarded as one of the trio of most famous gardens in Japan.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23569 (23-569 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle sits atop an exceedingly impressive castle wall, which will be great fun to do as a puzzle. Restoration of the main tower was finally completed in 1997 — although made of concrete, it is a faithful reproduction of the original.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23573 (23-573 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Masato Tsubaki

Aizu-wakamatsu Castle

Although this castle boasts a history stretching back more than 600 years, it was damaged in the Battle of Aizu — hostilities during the switch from the rule of the Shoguns to the Meiji restoration — and the main tower was destroyed by 1874. It was rebuilt (in reinforced concrete) in 1965, and finally in 2011 the black roof tiles were returned to the authentic red tiles from the time of its destruction. The castle grounds contain around a thousand cherry trees, one of which frames the view here.

The castle is in the modern city of Aizu-wakamatsu, after which it is usually named in English, but it is also known as Tsurugajô, or "Crane Castle".

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued July 2018
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E23575 (23-575 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Dawn over Himeji Castle

A very dramatic view of Himeji Castle at dawn. By tradition it is supposed to resemble a white heron, but here it looks altogether more foreboding. Himeji castle is famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, whose historical origins are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2016 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E24601 (24-601 on package)
Retail price ¥3000

More puzzles like this one

© Yanoman

Himeji Castle

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji Castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle."

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued December 2017
A Yanoman puzzle: 2014 pieces; 620 x 450 mm (24" x 18")
Code: Y2202 (22-02 on package)
Retail price ¥2300

More puzzles like this one

© Beverly Enterprises

Cherry blossom time, Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle, in northern Japan, framed by its famous cherry trees, the first of which are said to have been brought from Kyoto in 1715. There's also a glimpse of the castle foundation wall, in the usual "diagonal" building style.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
A Beverly puzzle: 2000 pieces; 720 x 490 mm (28" x 19")
Code: BS72504 (S72-504 on package)
Retail price ¥2600

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Himeji Castle

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle."

(This is a reissue of puzzle code E20050.)

Himeji Castle website (includes English version)
More castle puzzles

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 2000 pieces; 1020 x 730 mm (40" x 29")
Code: E19016 (19-016 on package)
Retail price ¥4200

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Himeji castle

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle." Birdlike or not, here it is nicely offset by the banks of azaleas in the foreground.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 1500 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E15547 (15-547 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Himeji Castle with azaleas

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle." Birdlike or not, here it is nicely offset by the banks of azaleas in the foreground.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 1014 pieces; 530 x 380 mm (21" x 15")
Code: E56505 (56-505 on package)
Retail price ¥1600

More puzzles like this one

© Beverly

Himeji Castle

One of the best-restored castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is also known as "White Heron Castle." Here a boatload of tourists make their way along the moat.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued December 2020
A Beverly puzzle: 1000 pieces; 720 x 490 mm (28" x 19")
Code: B51213 (51-213 on package)
Retail price ¥2800

More puzzles like this one

© Masato Tsubaki

Aizu-wakamatsu Castle

Although this castle boasts a history stretching back more than 600 years, it was damaged in the Battle of Aizu — hostilities during the switch from the rule of the Shoguns to the Meiji restoration — and the main tower was destroyed by 1874. It was rebuilt (in reinforced concrete) in 1965, and finally in 2011 the black roof tiles were returned to the authentic red tiles from the time of its destruction. The castle grounds contain around a thousand cherry trees, one of which frames the view here.

The castle is in the modern city of Aizu-wakamatsu, after which it is usually named in English, but it is also known as Tsurugajô, or "Crane Castle".

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued May 2018
A Beverly puzzle: 1000 pieces; 720 x 490 mm (28" x 19")
Code: B71397 (71-397 on package)
Retail price ¥2600

More puzzles like this one

© Beverly

Himeji Castle mosaic

Over 3000 scenic photos of Japan make up this version of Himeji Castle, famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, whose historical origins are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333.

This puzzle has TINY pieces!

This puzzle is supplied with a magnifying glass.

This puzzle picture is made from more than a thousand tiny images.

Permanently unavailable
A Beverly puzzle: 1000 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: BM81521 (M81-521 on package)
Retail price ¥2200

More puzzles like this one

© Beverly Enterprises

Himeji Castle

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle."

Himeji Castle website (includes English version)

This puzzle has TINY pieces!

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued September 2018
A Beverly puzzle: 1000 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: BM81832 (M81-832 on package)
Retail price ¥2000

More puzzles like this one

© Beverly Enterprises

Himeji Castle

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle."

Himeji Castle website (includes English version)

This puzzle has TINY pieces!

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued January 2017
A Beverly puzzle: 1000 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: BS71809 (S71-809 on package)
Retail price ¥1600

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Okayama castle gardens

These gardens around Okayama castle (which we see in the background) were built in the Edo period, taking just 13 years and completed in 1700. Of classical layout, with a different vista at every turn, the gardens are formally known as Kôrakuen, and are regarded as one of the trio of most famous gardens in Japan.

More castle puzzles

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10591 (10-591 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Kochi Castle

A striking view of the front gate (outemon) of Kochi Castle - seen in the background. This makes a splendid photograph for a puzzle, with the range of widely varying textures.

Permanently unavailable
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10717 (10-717 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Takeda castle remains

Although only ruins remain, Takeda Castle is impressive at any time — and the sea of clouds lend it a surreal quality.

It will be an interestingly different puzzle, with a lot of cloud at the bottom.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued December 2020
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10744 (10-744 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Epoch

Goryōkaku star fort at cherry blossom time

Said to be the earliest example of a western style fortress in Japan, this castle was built in 1855 to a French design by the Tokugawa Shogunate. A park since 1914,this is a favourite location for cherry blossom viewing.

The name (五稜郭 in Japanese) means "five-pointed"; the detached triangular part in the foreground gives the impression of six points, but this is due to the extreme wide-angle perspective of the photograph.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued May 2018
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10772 (10-772 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Amanaimages

Himeji castle

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle."

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued December 2020
An Epoch puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: E10796 (10-796 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Morita Toshitaka

Kochi Castle (Morita)

A nicely angled view of the front gate (outemon) of Kochi Castle - seen in the background. This makes a splendid photograph for a puzzle, with the range of widely varying textures.

Wikipedia article on Kochi Castle

Born 1946 in Osaka, Morita set out as a freelance scenic photographer in 1975. He has had numerous collections of his work published in book form, as well as calendars and other media, and continues a punishing schedule, spending 200 days a year tramping the Japanese archipelago for material. (Morita is his family name.)

Permanently unavailable
An Apollo puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: P10495 (10-495 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Yanoman

Himeji Castle

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle."

Himeji Castle website (includes English version)
More castle puzzles

Permanently unavailable
A Yanoman puzzle: 1000 pieces; 750 x 500 mm (30" x 20")
Code: Y10702 (10-702 on package)
Retail price ¥2500

More puzzles like this one

© Apollo

Himeji Castle with azaleas

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle." Birdlike or not, here it is nicely offset by the banks of azaleas in the foreground.

This puzzle has smaller pieces than the standard size.

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued August 2022
An Apollo puzzle: 600 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: P47201 (47-201 on package)
Retail price ¥1600

More puzzles like this one

© Yanoman

Osaka castle

Restoration of the main tower of Osaka castle was finally completed in 1997. Though made of concrete, it is a faithful reproduction of the original.

This puzzle has micro pieces

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued November 2017
A Yanoman puzzle: 500 pieces; 215 x 165 mm (8" x 6")
Code: Y4110 (41-10 on package)
Retail price ¥1000

More puzzles like this one

© Beverly Enterprises

Himeji Castle

Famous as the best-preserved example of Japanese castle building, the historical origins of Himeji castle are said to date back to the building of a fort in 1333. From a supposed resemblance to the outstretched wings of a bird, it is also known as "White Heron Castle."

Himeji Castle website (includes English version)
More castle puzzles

Permanently unavailable
A Beverly puzzle: 300 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: B030153 (030-153 on package)
Retail price ¥980

More puzzles like this one

© Beverly Enterprises

Matsumoto Castle with cherry blossom

Matsumoto, high in the Japan Alps, has one of the best-preserved castles in Japan. Here we see it perfectly framed by cherry blossom.

Permanently unavailable
A Beverly puzzle: 300 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: B73159 (73-159 on package)
Retail price ¥1200

More puzzles like this one

© Keyphotos

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto, high in the Japan Alps, has one of the best-preserved castles in Japan. Here the beautifully restored keep is set off perfectly by the red bridge across the moat, and the mass of wisteria hanging over the walls.

More castle puzzles

Permanently unavailable
Discontinued January 2017
A Road puzzle: 300 pieces; 380 x 260 mm (15" x 10")
Code: RS3260 (RS-32-60 on package)
Retail price ¥1200

More puzzles like this one