Japan has a rich history, and each castle has a story.
They range from imposing fortresses to elegant palaces.
Japanese castles testify to the country’s feudal past and building skills.
As you explore these historical structures, you’re walking through the pages of Japan’s history.
These castles are cultural landmarks and provide a window into the traditional Japanese way of life.
Stepping into these castles is like stepping back in time, witnessing a fascinating blend of beauty and strategic design.
The grandeur of the architecture, the serenity of the gardens, and the echoes of history in every corner make for an unforgettable experience.
24 Best Japanese Castles to Visit at a Glance
If you want a quick bite of Japanese castle information, we have you covered below.
Well-Known Castles in Japan
- Himeji Castle – Hyogo Prefecture. The “White Heron Castle” is one of Japan’s most iconic and best-preserved feudal castles.
- Matsumoto Castle – Nagano Prefecture. It has a black exterior and is one of the oldest castle donjons in Japan. It’s nicknamed Crow Castle.
- Osaka Castle – Osaka Prefecture. This castle played a significant role in the unification of Japan in the sixteenth century.
- Kumamoto Castle – Kumamoto prefecture. It has big stone walls and is an extensive complex. The castle was damaged by an earthquake in 2016 and is now being restored.
- Nijo Castle – Kyoto Prefecture. It is famous for its well-preserved structures and “Nightingale floors.”
- Nagoya Castle – Aichi Prefecture. It is notable for the golden shachihoko on its roof. The shachihoko are tiger-headed carp, and they are believed to protect the castle.
- Hirosaki Castle – Aomori Prefecture. It is known for its original keep and the stunning cherry blossoms in spring.
- Shuri Castle—Okinawa Prefecture. A symbol of the Ryukyu Kingdom, it was destroyed in a fire in 2019, but plans for reconstruction are underway.
- Kanazawa Castle – Ishikawa Prefecture. It has white, lead-tiled roofs and elegant architecture.
- Inuyama Castle – Aichi Prefecture. This is one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles, initially built in 1537.
- Hikone Castle – Shiga Prefecture. It is famous for its well-preserved buildings, and the central castle keep is a national treasure.
- Kochi Castle – Kochi Prefecture. It is one of the few Japanese castles that have kept their original wooden main keep and palace.
Lesser-Known Castles in Japan
- Maruoka Castle – Fukui Prefecture. Known as the “Mist Castle,” it boasts Japan’s oldest surviving wooden keep.
- Bitchu Matsuyama Castle – Okayama Prefecture. It is at one of the highest elevations for a castle in Japan and offers spectacular views.
- Tsuyama Castle – Okayama Prefecture. Renowned for its cherry blossoms and extensive stone walls.
- Matsue Castle – Shimane Prefecture. It is one of the few medieval castles left in Japan. It has a black, imposing structure.
- Takeda Castle – Hyogo Prefecture. It’s often called the “castle floating in the sky” because it’s on a mountain surrounded by clouds.
- Uwajima Castle – Ehime Prefecture: This castle is notable for its original keep and the unique bullfighting event held nearby.
- Kakegawa Castle – Shizuoka Prefecture. It was rebuilt using traditional methods and materials. The castle hosts local cultural events.
- Iwakuni Castle – Yamaguchi Prefecture. It was initially demolished in the 1600s but reconstructed in the 1960s. It offers views over the Kintaikyo Bridge.
- Gifu Castle – Gifu Prefecture. Known for its challenging access and the historical figure Nobunaga Oda, who used it as a base.
- Marugame Castle – Kagawa Prefecture. It has one of Japan’s most impressive original stone walls and a relatively small keep.
- Matsuyama Castle – Ehime Prefecture. It has many layers of defences and a cable car.
- Takamatsu Castle – Kagawa Prefecture. One of the “Three Great Water Castles” of Japan. It has famoats that draw seawater from the Seto Inland Sea.
The History of Japanese Castles
Japanese castles originated in the feudal era as strongholds of power and later became symbols of cultural heritage.
They are linked with the samurai, feudal lords known as daimyo, and the shifting tides of Japanese society.
Edo Period Castles
During the Edo period (1603-1868), castles showed wealth and stability under the Tokugawa shogunate.
These structures were not just military forts.
They were also political centres and symbols of power.
Many of the castles you see today in Japan, like the famous Nijō Castle in Kyoto, reached their pinnacle of development during this time.
Castles During the Warring States Period
The Warring States period (1467-1615), known as the Sengoku era, was a time of near-constant military conflict and social upheaval.
During this era, feudal lords constructed many castles as fortified bases to protect and extend their domains.
Famous samurai leaders, such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, built and used castles as defences and strategic posts for attacks.
The architecture of the time reflected the need for strong defences, and many innovations in castle design came from this period.
Architectural Marvels
You’ll find fantastic architecture as you uncover the best Japanese castles to visit.
It shows the cleverness and skill of their builders.
These features range from defensive aspects to the materials defining their legacy.
Defensive Features
The Japanese castles were called Shiro.
They were built mainly for defence, and their clever defensive features show this well.
Many castles are surrounded by water-filled and dry moats, making it difficult for attackers to approach.
The complex walls and clever architecture slow down and expose enemies.
They show an emphasis on strategic defence.
- The builders made the stone walls very thick and robust. This lets them withstand sieges and natural disasters.
- The architects included hidden rooms and narrow passages. They did this to confuse invaders and give tactical advantages.
Materials and Construction
The materials used in Japanese castles were carefully selected for functionality and aesthetics.
- Wood was the primary building material for its durability and flexibility.
- Stone formed the base. It was solid and fire-resistant. Tiles covered the roofs, often finished with ornamental fish-shaped tiles called ‘shachi’.
- Builders often left the wood interior visible. The stone and tile create a harmonious, natural look.
Gusuku Style Unique to Okinawa
The gusuku-style castles are unique to Okinawa.
They are a distinct variation within Japanese castle architecture.
- Gusuku castles are made of limestone and Ryukyuan architecture. They have curved stone walls and very few wooden parts.
- The design often includes stone-paved roads and moats. They are beautiful and valuable.
Cultural Significance and Heritage
The best Japanese castles to visit will reveal impressive architectural feats and profound cultural significance.
These historic sites embody the country’s rich heritage.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Himeji Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has kept its original features through the centuries. It reflects the peak of Japanese castle construction. It has advanced defences from the feudal period.
- This UNESCO World Heritage site is the historic monument of ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu cities). It includes 17 locations in Kyoto, Japan. Nijo Castle, built in 1603, has beautiful carvings and historic interiors. It represents the Edo shogunate.
Castles as National Treasures
- Matsumoto Castle is a striking example of hirajiro, built on plains rather than a hill or mountain.
- Hikone Castle has withstood natural disasters and wars since the 17th century, retaining its original form. Its contribution to Japanese feudal history marks it as a National Treasure.
- Inuyama Castle: As one of Japan’s oldest and most authentic castles, Inuyama Castle dates back to the 16th century.
Modern Encounters with History
Reconstructed vs. Original Structures
When you visit Japan, you’ll find a striking contrast.
Some castles are reconstructions, while others are original.
Japan takes great pride in rebuilding historical landmarks.
It honours their architectural styles to the finest detail.
For example, Osaka Castle has been reconstructed to show Japan’s past.
It has modern amenities like lifts and interactive exhibits.
Some castles, like Matsuyama Castle, are mainly original.
They have withstood time.
These original castles show Japan’s dedication to preserving heritage.
They let you experience feudal architecture and craftsmanship in its most absolute form.
Tourism and Preservation Efforts
The influx of tourism, especially during cherry blossom season, implores significant preservation efforts.
One of Japan’s iconic images is the sight of cherry blossoms in bloom near historic castles.
Both nature and culture are essential.
Governance ensures that the crowds they attract do not harm these historical landmarks.
Many castles have on-site museums.
They offer resources to learn about the castle’s history and the efforts to maintain these structures.
They perfectly blend tourism with preservation.
Famous Castles by Region
Exploring Japan’s storied past, you’ll come across many historic castles that have withstood the test of time.
Each region offers a unique glimpse into the feudal era with its iconic strongholds.
Kansai Castles: Kyoto and Beyond
In the Kansai region, Kyoto stands out.
It has Nijo Castle, a stately example of the power of the Tokugawa shoguns.
The castle has beautifully decorated sliding doors and chambers.
Chubu Region’s Historical Fortresses
When you visit the Chubu region, you can explore Inuyama Castle in Aichi Prefecture.
It claims to be one of Japan’s oldest and most authentic castles, with its original wooden donjon.
Moreover, you can also check out Maruoka Castle in Gifu Prefecture.
It has the oldest surviving wooden keep in Japan, dating back to 1576.
Here is a quick reference for you:
| Region | Castles |
|---|---|
| Kansai (Kyoto and Beyond) | Nijo Castle, Osaka Castle |
| Chubu | Inuyama Castle (Aichi), Maruoka Castle (Gifu) |
Continue exploring to uncover the layers of history each fortress proudly embodies.
Castle Ruins
If you venture off the beaten track, you might be lucky enough to see some castle ruins.
I went to Iwamura, an old village in Gifu prefecture and took a short walk around the castle ruins.
In 1998, Iwamura Castle Town was chosen as the 48th most culturally important preservation area of historic buildings in all of Japan.
It was the third in Gifu, after Sanmachi in Takayama and Ogimachi in Shirakawa-go.
The Final Word
Japanese castles, often set in strategic locations like hilltops and river crossings, are a spectacular highlight for any tourist visiting Japan.
The best time to visit these gorgeous castles is during cherry blossom season, when the cherry trees within the castle grounds are in full bloom, creating a breathtaking scene.
Whether exploring the larger castles with vast complexes or the smaller, more secluded ones, visitors can stroll through exquisite Japanese gardens or learn about the tumultuous history that shaped Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the must-see castles to visit in Japan?
It would be best to visit Himeji Castle for its stunning white façade and Matsumoto Castle for its striking black exterior.
Both display unique feats of Japanese castle engineering and are surrounded by scenic beauty.
Which is more recommendable to visit, Himeji Castle or Osaka Castle?
Due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its original preservation, Himeji Castle offers a more authentic experience.
Osaka Castle is a reconstruction but sits in a large, lively park.
The park has a museum that provides ample historical context.
Where can one find the twelve original castles that still stand in Japan?
- Himeji Castle (Hyogo)
- Matsumoto Castle (Nagano)
- Maruoka Castle (Fukui)
- Matsue Castle (Shimane)
- Bitchu Matsuyama Castle (Okayama)
- Matsuyama Castle (Ehime)
- Uwajima Castle (Ehime)
- Marugame Castle (Kagawa)
- Kōchi Castle (Kōchi)
- Inuyama Castle (Aichi)
- Hirosaki Castle (Aomori)
- Takatori Castle (Nara).
Which city in Japan is most famous for its historical castles?
Due to the iconic Himeji Castle, Himeji is one of Japan’s most famous castle cities.
However, cities like Osaka and Nagoya are renowned for their impressive castles and rich history.
What are Mountain castles?
Japan has mountain castles known as “yamajiro.” These were built atop mountains or hills to defend against war.
They used the natural landscape to strengthen their defences and increase their ability to see over the surrounding areas.
An excellent example is Bitchu Matsuyama Castle. It sits at one of the highest elevations of any castle in Japan.
It offers not only history but also panoramic views.
