城郭(じょうかく)

じょうかく
noun
castle; fortress; castle compound
buildinghistory
1. castle; fortress; castle compound
A fortified structure including its walls, moats, and surrounding defensive works. Often used to refer to the entire castle complex rather than just the main tower.
日本(にほん)には多(おお)くの城郭(じょうかく)が残(のこ)っている。
Many castles remain in Japan.
この城郭(じょうかく)は戦国(せんごく)時代(じだい)に築(きず)かれた。
This castle was built during the Warring States period.
石垣(いしがき)や堀(ほり)を含(ふく)めた城郭(じょうかく)全体(ぜんたい)が史跡(しせき)に指定(してい)されている。
The entire castle complex including stone walls and moats is designated as a historic site.

A more formal and comprehensive term than 城(しろ), emphasizing the entire fortified compound rather than just the main keep. Used in academic, historical, and tourism contexts. Japan's castles are major tourist attractions, and understanding 城郭(じょうかく) terminology enriches the experience of visiting them.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 城(しろ): castle — the everyday word, can refer to just the main tower or the whole complex
  • 砦(とりで): fort/stronghold — smaller and simpler defensive structure
  • 要塞(ようさい): fortress — emphasizes military defensive capability

Related Words

Compare: 砦(とりで) (fort/stronghold)
Compare: 要塞(ようさい) (fortress)
general
Added 2026.4.18 2:41 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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