Ready to explore Japan’s most stunning castles? From the majestic Himeji Castle to the serene Matsuyama Castle, each offers unique beauty and rich history.
Whether you’re a history buff or just love breathtaking views, these top 10 castles promise an unforgettable adventure.
Keep reading to discover why these castles are must-visit destinations! 😊
1. Himeji Castle
Explore Himeji Castle: Discover the beauty of Himeji Castle, built in the 1400s and completed in 1609. This well-preserved castle is a National Treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a must-visit.
UNESCO Honor: In 1993, Himeji Castle became Japan’s first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, showcasing its historical importance.
Experience the Castle: Climb to the top of the seven-story main keep for panoramic views of Himeji City. Nearby, Kokoen Garden features nine charming Edo-period gardens for you to enjoy.
Spring Cherry Blossoms: Visit in spring to see over 1,000 cherry trees in bloom. While the outer grounds are free, a ticket gives you access to more blossoms in the inner grounds.
Striking Design: Admire the castle’s “White Heron” design, with its elegant towers resembling a heron in flight.
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2. Matsumoto Castle
Historic Build: Over 400 years old, Matsumoto Castle was built during Japan’s Warring States Period but never saw battle.
Clever Design: The main keep appears to have five stories from the outside but conceals six floors inside, allowing for hidden defensive capabilities.
Dual-Tower Structure: Matsumoto Castle features both a defensive tower from the Warring States Period and the Tsukimi Yagura tower from the Edo Period, used for moon-viewing.
Samurai Artifacts: Inside, you can explore a collection of samurai weapons and armor, including flintlock pistols and swords from the Warring States Period.
Castle Town Experience: Explore Nawate-dori (“Frog Street”) and Nakamachi-dori around the castle for a taste of Matsumoto’s cultural heritage.
Architectural Distinction: Known for its striking black and white design, it’s the oldest surviving five-tiered, six-story castle tower in Japan.
Scenic Moat: The castle overlooks a picturesque moat where koi and swans swim, adding to its serene beauty.
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3. Osaka Castle
Construction: Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan’s unification, was constructed between 1583 and 1597 by the renowned warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Historical Significance: In recognition of its cultural importance, the Japanese Government declared Osaka Castle a historic site in the 1950s.
Architecture: The castle is surrounded by stunning stone walls that rise 20 meters high and stretch 90 meters wide. It’s impressive to think that over a million stones, each weighing about 12 kilograms, were used to build this architectural marvel.
Historical Museum: Inside the castle, a museum showcases intriguing artifacts, including the mythical Shachihoko, traditional samurai helmets, and detailed miniature samurai figures.
Observation Deck: For breathtaking views, head to the observation deck. It offers a fantastic panorama of Osaka’s skyline and the surrounding castle park, making it a perfect spot to soak in the scenery.
Seasonal Beauty: The castle park is a favorite destination during cherry blossom season in spring and for the vibrant autumn foliage. Nishinomaru Garden, in particular, is a picturesque spot for photos and a peaceful place to unwind.
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4. Kumamoto Castle
Construction: Kumamoto Castle was originally built between 1607 and 1614 under the guidance of Kato Kiyomasa, a skilled and influential feudal lord.
Fire and Reconstruction: The castle’s original keep was tragically lost to a fire in 1877. Fortunately, a concrete replica was constructed in 1960, which now houses a modern museum for you to explore.
Earthquake Damage and Repairs: The castle suffered significant damage during the 2016 earthquakes. While the main keep has been reopened, some areas remain closed as repairs are ongoing, with completion expected around 2038.
Main Keep: The castle’s current keep features two towers, one with six stories and the other with four. If you make your way to the top floor of the main tower, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views.
Honmaru Goten Palace: The Honmaru Goten Palace, a reconstructed building that opened in 2008, is unfortunately closed due to earthquake damage but remains a significant part of the castle’s history.
Attractions: As you explore the castle, you can admire the impressive stone walls, moats, and some of the surviving turrets and storehouses.
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5. Hiroshima Castle
Original Construction Date: Hiroshima Castle dates back to the late 1500s, even before the city of Hiroshima was founded.
Reconstruction in 1958: The current Hiroshima Castle, completed in 1958, is a faithful replica of the original, which was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945. It beautifully captures the essence of the original architecture.
Type of Castle: Hiroshima Castle is a unique example of a flat plains castle, built on flat ground rather than on a hill or mountain—something you don’t see very often.
Panoramic Views: At the top of the castle, there’s a balcony offering stunning panoramic views of Hiroshima City and its surroundings, giving you a sense of its strategic importance.
Surviving Trees: Within the castle grounds, you’ll find three remarkable trees—a holly, a eucalyptus, and a willow—that survived the atomic bombing, even though they were just 740 to 910 meters from the blast’s epicenter. These trees stand as powerful symbols of Hiroshima’s resilience.
Museum Inside: Inside the reconstructed castle, you’ll discover a museum that brings Hiroshima’s history to life, including the story of the castle itself, from its early days to the events surrounding the atomic bombing.
6. Nijo Castle
Construction Timeline: Nijo Castle was originally constructed in 1603 as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. The project was completed in 1626 when his grandson, Iemitsu, added a majestic five-story castle keep.
UNESCO Designation: In 1994, Nijo Castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its exceptionally well-preserved feudal-era architecture.
Castle Layout: The castle is divided into three main sections: the Honmaru (inner defense circle), the Ninomaru (outer defense circle), and the surrounding gardens.
Ninomaru Palace: The Ninomaru Palace, situated in the Ninomaru area, is famous for its nightingale floors that squeak to alert residents of intruders. The palace’s rooms are beautifully adorned with tatami mats, painted sliding doors, and elaborately decorated ceilings.
Gardens and Orchards: The castle grounds feature the stunning Ninomaru Garden, with a large pond and meticulously manicured pine trees. The grounds also boast cherry and plum trees, and Seiryuen, a unique half-Japanese, half-Western style garden, offers seasonal beauty from spring cherry blossoms to vibrant autumn foliage.
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7. Matsue Castle
Construction Date: Matsue Castle was completed in 1611 after a five-year construction period initiated by the feudal lord Horio Yoshiharu. It’s one of only 12 original Japanese castles still standing today.
National Treasure Status: In 2015, Matsue Castle was designated a National Treasure of Japan, a recognition of its remarkable preservation and deep historical significance.
Historical Significance: Often referred to as “Plover Castle” because of its sweeping roofs that resemble a plover bird in flight, Matsue Castle was constructed by Horio Yoshiharu, the founder of the city of Matsue.
Interior Features: Inside, you’ll find Japan’s only castle keep with an integrated well. The architecture is a fascinating showcase of unique wooden construction techniques and historical features.
Top Floor View: The top floor offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Matsue city, Lake Shinji, and the surrounding landscape.
Jozan Park: The castle grounds, now known as Jozan Park, feature extensive walking paths around the stone walls and moats. The park is free to enter and is especially popular during the spring cherry blossom season.
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8. Okayama Castle
Construction Date: Okayama Castle was built in 1597 during the Azuchi-Momoyama Period under the orders of the feudal lord Ukita Hideie. This castle is a stunning example of early modern Japanese architecture, showcasing the grandeur of that era.
Destruction and Reconstruction: The original castle met its end in 1945 during World War II. Fortunately, it was meticulously reconstructed in 1966, bringing back its historical charm and significance.
Nickname: Thanks to its striking black exterior, Okayama Castle is often referred to as “Crow Castle”, offering a sharp contrast to the bright white walls of Himeji Castle.
Inside the Castle: The six-story keep houses fascinating exhibits on the castle’s history and architectural evolution. There’s also a pottery studio where you can try your hand at creating Bizen-yaki, a famous local pottery style—just be sure to reserve your spot in advance!
Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in history by dressing up in traditional noble attire, like a princess or a feudal lord. It’s a perfect way to capture memorable photos of your visit.
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9. Nagoya Castle
Construction Era: Nagoya Castle was built in 1612 by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, to defend against potential threats from Osaka.
National Treasure: In 1930, Nagoya Castle earned the title of National Treasure, highlighting its historical and architectural significance.
Honmaru Palace: Rebuilt in 2018 using traditional methods and Edo Period plans, Honmaru Palace is a must-see. You’ll be amazed by the golden wall paintings, intricate carvings, and the Shogun’s unique steam bath, all set within traditional cypress wood construction and seasonal decorations.
Castle Keep: The iconic keep of Nagoya Castle is currently closed for reconstruction, with plans to restore it to its original wooden structure by 2028. You’ll want to keep an eye on this exciting restoration!
Gardens and Nature: Don’t miss the beautiful gardens surrounding Nagoya Castle, including the expansive Ninomaru Garden and a remarkable 600-year-old Kaya tree.
Gardens and Tea Houses: As you explore the castle grounds, take a stroll through the Ninomaru Garden, once the largest of its kind, and visit the tea houses used for traditional ceremonies and cultural activities.
10. Matsuyama Castle
Construction Timeline: Matsuyama Castle was built between 1602 and 1628 by Kato Yoshiaki. The original five-story tower was destroyed by lightning in 1784, and the current three-story tower was rebuilt in 1820.
Historical Significance: Matsuyama Castle is one of Japan’s twelve original castles that have survived since the feudal period without major changes, offering a rare look into Japan’s past.
Castle Features: The castle includes a main keep with wings, a secondary keep, and various turrets, all designed to defend against attacks.
Inside the Castle: Inside, you’ll find exhibits about Matsuyama’s history and the feudal era, giving you a glimpse into the region’s past and traditional Japanese architecture.
Cherry Blossoms: The castle grounds have about 200 cherry trees, making it a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing from late March to early April.
Accessibility: You can reach the castle by ropeway or a single-chair lift, both of which offer a fun and scenic way to get to the top of Mount Katsuyama.
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