Castle Day
April 6, Monday
When it is celebrated
Castle Day is celebrated on April 6. The date was chosen as a wordplay: in the Japanese numeric reading system, 4 can be read as *shi* and 6 as *ro*. Together, they form the word *shiro*, which means “castle”.
Origin of the holiday
The holiday was established in 1974 by the Japanese Castle Association. Its purpose is to promote historical castles, highlight their cultural value, and encourage interest in visiting and studying them. In some regions, such as Himeji, the date has received official recognition from local authorities.
Why April 6
In Japanese culture, numerical puns — *goroawase* — are common. The reading of the numbers creates a wordplay, making April 6 directly associated with the word “castle”.
What people do on this day
The holiday has no formal traditions, but it is usually celebrated by:
* visiting Japanese castles, including famous historical complexes;
* participating in tours, lectures, and cultural events about castle architecture;
* taking photos and walking around castles, especially during the cherry blossom season;
* learning about the history of the samurai era and feudal domains.
Significance of Japanese castles
Castles in Japan are not only military fortresses of the past. They served as administrative centers, residences of feudal lords, and cultural hubs of regions. Many castles have been restored, carefully preserved by the government, and have become important tourist attractions. Some are listed as national treasures or World Heritage sites.