Characteristics of Japanese castles and the top 13 recommended castles

Japanese castles are cultural assets that allow us to feel the history of Japan’s Sengoku period (around 1467-1615).

There are many unique castles around the country, including castles that have retained their original appearance (remaining original castles) and castles that are stunningly beautiful.

In this article, we will introduce the characteristics of Japanese castles and rank the 13 recommended castles. By reading this, you will learn basic information about Japanese castles and which Japanese castles are suitable for sightseeing.

I hope this will be helpful when you want to learn more about Japanese castles.

History of Japanese Castles

Japanese castles have a long history, said to date back to the Yayoi period (approximately 2,300 to 1,700 years ago).

In the Yayoi period, agriculture began in Japan, and with it came the gap between rich and poor. This gap led to conflicts between people.
To prevent intrusions into homes during conflicts, a ditch called a “moat” was built, and it is said that this moat is the origin of castles.

Later, in the middle of the Heian period (around 900-1000), samurai appeared.
Until then, Japan had been an aristocratic society, but it changed to a samurai-centered society, and power struggles between samurai became frequent. During this period, castles were developed to ensure the safety of residential areas in peacetime and to protect against enemy attacks in times of war.

During the Sengoku period (1467-1615), powerful samurai who led their vassals, known as “Daimyo,” began to build castles as military facilities to protect themselves and their vassals, and as centers of their political control.
Eventually, the daimyo began to enlarge the size of their castles to demonstrate their power and authority.

The “Japanese castles” we see today are those that were built by these daimyos and which still remain today.

Structure of Japanese castles

Japanese castles are generally constructed with the following six elements:

Tenshu

Ishigaki

Yagura

Koguchi

Hei

Hori

Types of Japanese Castles

Japanese castles can be broadly divided into four types.
These four types are determined by the terrain on which they were built, and each has different characteristics.

Yamajiro

Hirayamajiro

Hirajiro

Mizuki

The role of Japanese castles

Japanese castles have three main roles:

1. Defensive base
   A facility for protecting daimyos and their vassals when attacked by an enemy, and for discouraging the enemy from invading. It also contained weapons and food necessary for battle.
2. Territorial Control Base
   A facility where daimyos and vassals conduct political affairs to control their territories. In modern times, its role is similar to a government office.
3. Residence
   A residence where a daimyo lived his daily life.

Today, Japanese castles are famous spots that attract many tourists from both within Japan and overseas, but in the past they were essential bases for daimyos and their vassals to survive battles.

Japanese castles are the places where you can fully experience the history of the powerful samurai that once existed in Japan.

Recommended castles and castle ruins ranking

Here we will introduce 13 castles that we recommend visiting out of the many castles and castle ruins in Japan, ranked in order of popularity.
If you are ever in an area with a castle or castle ruins, be sure to stop by.

Recommendation #1: Himeji Castle / Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture

Himeji Castle was the first castle in Japan to be registered as a World Heritage Site. It was built in 1346 and has since been expanded and renovated several times to become what it is today. It has also been certified as a “remaining original castles” that has been maintained almost exactly as it was when it was first built, despite repeated restorations.

The highlight is the beautiful and vibrant white plasterwork of the castle walls.Because its appearance resembles a white heron with its wings spread, Himeji Castle is also known as “White Heron Castle”.

If you ask any Japanese person, “Which is the most beautiful castle in Japan?” many of them will answer Himeji Castle.

If you have the opportunity to visit Hyogo Prefecture, be sure to stop by.

Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture
Access: 20 minutes on foot from Himeji Station

Official page (Japanese version): https://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/castle/

Recommendation #2: Matsumoto Castle / Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture

Matsumoto Castle is one of the remaining original castles.
It is known to Japanese people as the “Jet-Black Castle.”

The black lacquer on the exterior walls gives it a dignified appearance, and you will be overwhelmed by its brave appearance when you visit.The sight of the castle reflected in the moat of Matsumoto Castle and the beautiful view of the Northern Alps is magnificent.

Matsumoto Castle has volunteer guides, some of whom can speak foreign languages. If you make use of this service, you can enjoy Matsumoto Castle even more, so be sure to check out when you visit.

Address: 4-1 Marunouchi, Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
Access: 20 minutes on foot from Matsumoto Station

Official page (Japanese version): https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/

Official page (English version): https://www.matsumoto-castle.jp/lang/

Recommendation #3: Nagoya Castle / Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

Nagoya Castle is one of the “Three Greatest Castles in Japan”.Nagoya Castle is famous for the golden Shachihoko fish statue mounted on top of its giant watchtower, so it is also called “Golden Shachihoko Fish Castle” or “Golden Castle”.

Nagoya Castle was built under the orders of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who asked daimyos from various regions to participate in its construction. It was later expanded and renovated by members of the Tokugawa family, becoming a magnificent castle that symbolized the wealth of the Tokugawa family.

During World War II, the castle tower and many other buildings were burned down in air raids. The castle tower that can be seen today was later rebuilt, but the exterior has been restored almost exactly.

It has now become a must-see tourist spot for any visit to Nagoya.

Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
Access: 5 minutes walk from Shiyakusho Station
Official page (Japanese version): https://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/
Official page (English version): https://www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/en/

Recommendation #4: Matsuyama Castle / Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture

Matsuyama Castle is famous for its large number of Important Cultural Properties (objects of cultural, historical, and academic value in Japan). Including the main tower, 21 structures within the castle have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Among the Important Cultural Properties, the stone wall that connects the mountaintop to the base, called the “Nobori Ishigaki,” and the two-tiered watchtower with its excellent defensive capabilities, are known as structures unique to Matsuyama Castle. They are a must-see when you visit.

The view from Matsuyama Castle is also worth seeing. Matsuyama Castle is located at an altitude of about 132 meters. From Matsuyama Castle, you can see the whole of Matsuyama city and the Seto Inland Sea, which is a magnificent sight.

Address: 1 Marunouchi, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Okaido Station

Official page (Japanese version): https://www.matsuyamajo.jp/

Recommendation #5: Takeda Castle Ruins / Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture

The Takeda Castle ruins are the remains of Takeda Castle, which stood on the summit of Kojozan mountain, which is about 353 meters above sea level.

It is affectionately known to Japanese people as the “Castle in the Sky.”

The reason is that depending on the weather, a sea of ​​clouds can appear around the ruins of Takeda Castle.The ruins of Takeda Castle surrounded by a sea of ​​clouds is very mystical.

The conditions under which the sea of ​​clouds are likely to occur around the Takeda Castle ruins are listed on the official website. If you want to see the Takeda Castle ruins along with the sea of ​​clouds, we recommend checking in advance.

Address: 169 Takeda Kojoyama, Wadayama-cho, Asago-shi, Hyogo Prefecture
Access: 40 minutes on foot from Takeda Station

Official page (Japanese version): https://www.city.asago.hyogo.jp/takeda/

Recommendation #6: Kumamoto Castle / Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture

Kumamoto Castle is beloved by Japanese people as one of the “Three Greatest Castles in Japan”.

This castle is equipped with many ingenious defense features. In particular, the steep stone walls called “Musha-gaeshi” that were built to prevent enemy intrusions are impressive. In addition, sharp iron skewers called “Shinobi-gaeshi” are lined up on top of the stone walls, which are also a way to prevent ninjas from invading.

Currently, the castle is undergoing restoration, so only a limited number of areas can be viewed, but if you visit you will be able to see how a Japanese castle is rebuilt. It will be an experience you can only have now.

Address: 1-1 Honmaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Access: 10 minutes on foot from Kumamotojo-Shiyakusho-mae Station

Official page (Japanese version): https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/

Official page (English version): https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/

Recommendation #7: Nijo Castle / Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543-1616), the first Shogun of the Edo Shogunate. It is said that he ordered the construction of the castle to protect Kyoto, where the Emperor lived at the time, and as a place for the Shogun to stay when he visited Kyoto.
Nijo Castle is also registered as a World Heritage Site.

The main gate, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property, is a must-see.
Its gorgeous and beautiful carvings of pine, bamboo, plum blossoms, and cranes, which are considered to be auspicious in Japan, are a testament to the intricate architectural techniques that Japanese craftsmen are known for.

Additionally, the corridors of the Ninomaru Palace inside Nijo Castle are called “uguisubari” (nightingale floors) and are designed to make a sound every time someone walks through them. This was done to quickly detect any intrusions by ninjas. If you visit the Ninomaru Palace, be sure to listen carefully to the sounds in the corridors.

Nijo Castle is a classic tourist spot in Kyoto, so if you visit Kyoto, be sure to stop by.

Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nijo-dori Horikawa Nishiiru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Short walk from Nijojo-mae Station

Official page (Japanese version): https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/

Official page (English version): https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en

Recommendation #8: Matsue Castle / Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture

Matsue Castle is a remaining original castle that has been designated a national treasure (a property with exceptionally high cultural, historical, and academic value among Important Cultural Properties). Its exterior walls are painted black, giving it a sophisticated and stylish appearance.

If you visit Matsue Castle, you can’t miss the “Matsue Horikawa Tour”.This is a tour that takes you around the moat surrounding the castle in a small covered boat.

If you board the boat, you can take your time admiring the view of Matsue Castle from the outside, so it’s definitely something you should try.

Address: 1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture
Access: A short walk from the bus stop Kokuho-Matsuejo-Kenchomae

Official page (Japanese version): https://www.matsue-castle.jp/

Official page (English version): https://www.visit-matsue.com/

Recommendation #9: Hikone Castle / Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture

Hikone Castle is also a remaining original castle designated as a national treasure.
The attraction of this catsle is that it has many Japanese gardens that are designated as Scenic Spots (places of high artistic or scenic value).

From Genkyuen, one of these scenic spots, you can admire the main tower of Hikone Castle standing tall in the distance.

The scenery is as beautiful as a picture printed on a postcard.

Address: 1-1 Kanagicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
Access: 15 minutes on foot from Hikone Station

Official page (Japanese version): https://hikonecastle.com/

Official page (English version): https://visit-omi.com/poi/article/hikone-castle/

Recommendation #10: Osaka Castle / Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture

Osaka Castle is one of the “Three Greatest Castles in Japan”, along with Nagoya Castle and Kumamoto Castle.
It is famous for having its castle tower built on the tallest stone wall in Japan.

It is said to be about 30 meters tall, and looking at the castle tower from below will give you an overwhelming sense of its power.

If you take the “Osakajo Gozabune” sightseeing boat that goes around the moat, you can see the whole view of Osaka Castle from the river. Please try it!

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Access: 10 minutes on foot from Morinomiya Station

Official page (Japanese version): https://www.osakacastle.net/

Recommendation #11: Hirosaki Castle / Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture

Hirosaki Castle is a remaining original castle that has been designated an Important Cultural Property. It is located in Hirosaki Park, a famous scenic spot where you can enjoy nature in all four seasons.

The best time to visit Hirosaki Castle is during the cherry blossom season in April.

There are 2,600 cherry trees in bloom around Hirosaki Castle.The combination of the castle tower and the blooming cherry blossoms creates a breathtaking beauty.

Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
Access: About 4 minutes on foot from the bus stop Shiyakusho-mae

Official page (Japanese version): https://www.hirosakipark.jp/

Recommendation #12: Nakagusuku Castle Ruins / Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture

Nakagusuku Castle Ruins is the remains of a castle that once existed in Nakagusuku Village. It is registered as a World Heritage Site.

It is known for being particularly well preserved among the remaining “Gusuku” (castles unique to Okinawa) in Okinawa Prefecture, and for its beautiful scenery.

Gusuku castles are built differently from other Japanese castles, so it would be interesting to tour them and compare the differences.

Address: 1258 Tomari, Nakagusuku Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture
Access: About 30 minutes on foot from the bus stop Nakagusuku Elementary School Mae

Official page (Japanese version): https://www.nakagusuku-jo.jp/

Official page (English version): https://www.nakagusuku-jo.jp/en

Recommendation #13: East Gardens of the Imperial Palace / Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

The East Garden of the Imperial Palace is a garden located on the east side of the Imperial Palace (the residence of the Emperor). It was developed as a garden on the ruins of Edo Castle, which was the center of the Edo Shogunate, and has been open to the public since 1968.

Although the castle tower no longer exists, the remains of the tower, stone walls, and a gate called the Otemon Gate remain.This is a famous place where you can feel the history of the Edo Shogunate, representing Japan for more than 200 years, and attracts many tourists both at home and abroad.

It is easily accessible from Tokyo Station, so it’s worth visiting when you’re sightseeing in Tokyo.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5 minutes on foot from Otemachi Station

Official page (Japanese version): https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/event/higashigyoen/higashigyoen.html

Official page (English version): https://www.kunaicho.go.jp/eindex.html

Summary

Japanese castles are cultural assets that allow us to feel the history of the battles of the samurai that once existed in Japan.

There are many castles with different personalities, but the 13 castles featured here are particularly popular among Japanese people and are ideal for sightseeing.

If you have the opportunity to visit Japan, be sure to visit the castles.