The Best Japanese Castles to Visit: 46 Stunning Historical Sites

Original Castle
Himeji Castle (姫路城) stands as Japan’s most magnificent and best-preserved feudal fortress. With its elegant white walls and grand design, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has endured since 1609.

Original Castle
Matsumoto Castle (松本城) impresses with its striking black facade, authentic wooden halls, and scenic tower views. In April, its moat is framed by cherry blossoms—a picture-perfect spring escape.

Original Castle
Matsuyama Castle (松山城) majestically overlooks the city and Seto Inland Sea from Mount Katsuyama. Take a scenic ropeway or hike to explore its samurai heritage and stunning spring cherry blossoms.

Original Castle
Matsue Castle (松江城), the striking “Black Castle,” towers over the city with timeless elegance. Step inside to uncover samurai treasures or drift along its moat on a peaceful, story-filled boat cruise.

Original Castle
Hikone Castle (彦根城) stands gracefully over the city with its original keep and scenic views. Explore samurai-era halls, admire spring cherry blossoms, and unwind in tranquil Genkyuen Garden.

Original Castle
Matsuyama Castle (松山城) soars above the city atop Mount Katsuyama, offering sweeping views of Matsuyama and the Seto Inland Sea. Ride the scenic ropeway or hike up to explore samurai history amid spring blossoms.

Original Castle
Hirosaki Castle (弘前城) rises gracefully within Hirosaki Park, surrounded by 2,500 cherry trees. Stroll through tunnels of blossoms, glide along the moat, and experience Japan’s most spectacular spring festival.

Original Castle
Inuyama Castle (犬山城), Japan’s oldest surviving castle, stands proudly above the Kiso River. Step inside its wooden halls, climb to the top for stunning views, and relive the spirit of samurai history.

Original Castle
Kochi Castle (高知城) is one of Japan’s last original castles, rich in samurai heritage. Step inside its wooden halls and climb the tower for stunning views over Kochi and the lush surrounding hills.

Original Castle
Maruoka Castle (丸岡城), the enchanting “Castle of Mist,” is one of Japan’s oldest original keeps. Ascend its steep stairs for panoramic views and enjoy magical cherry blossoms glowing by lantern light in spring.

Original Castle
Marugame Castle (丸亀城) proudly crowns Kameyama Hill, offering stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. Discover its original keep, wander through cherry blossom-filled paths, and soak in the park’s peaceful charm.

Original Castle
Uwajima Castle (宇和島城), one of Japan’s twelve original castles, stands gracefully atop a wooded hill. Stroll up the peaceful stone path to its wooden keep and take in stunning views over Uwajima City.

Currently under reconstruction (to be completed in 2026).
Shuri Castle (首里城), the crown of Okinawa’s Ryukyu heritage, overlooks Naha with its striking vermilion halls. Explore historic gates, enjoy city views, and witness its grand restoration in progress.

Reconstructed in 2016
Kumamoto Castle (熊本城), magnificently restored after the 2016 earthquake, embodies resilience and elegance. Discover samurai history, wander under spring blossoms, and take in stunning city views.

Reconstructed in 1931
Osaka Castle (大阪城), majestically rebuilt in 1931, symbolizes Japan’s rich samurai heritage. Discover its fascinating museum, wander through blooming cherry gardens, and admire panoramic views of Osaka.

Reconstructed in 1965
Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城), with its vivid red roof, stands as a proud symbol of Aizu’s samurai legacy. Step inside its museum, admire sweeping city views, and stroll through cherry blossom-filled gardens.

Reconstructed in 1959
Nagoya Castle (名古屋城), reborn in 1959, embodies the grandeur of the Owari Tokugawa clan. Discover its beautifully restored palace, wander through cherry blossom gardens, and see its wooden keep revival planned for 2032.

Reconstructed in 1935
Ueno Castle (伊賀上野城), rebuilt in 1935, boasts Japan’s tallest stone walls and timeless wooden charm. Climb to its tower for sweeping views and immerse yourself in the rich samurai heritage of Iga.

Reconstructed in 2004
Ozu Castle (大洲城), beautifully rebuilt in 2004 with traditional craftsmanship, overlooks the Hijikawa River in historic charm. Step inside its wooden halls or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay fit for a samurai.

Reconstructed in 1962
Hirado Castle (平戸城) rises above Hirado Port with sweeping sea views. Step inside to explore samurai treasures, uncover the legacy of the Matsura clan, and stroll through its tranquil, scenic grounds.

Reconstructed in 1960
Odawara Castle (小田原城), rebuilt in 1960, was once the proud fortress of the Hojo clan. Step into samurai and ninja history, take in sweeping views, and wander through its stunning cherry blossom gardens.

Reconstructed in 1958
Hiroshima Castle (広島城), lovingly known as Carp Castle, rises gracefully amid a tranquil moat in the city’s heart. Discover its samurai museum, wander peaceful grounds, and relive Hiroshima’s rich feudal past.

Reconstructed in 1964
Shimabara Castle (島原城), beautifully rebuilt in 1964, shines with elegant white walls and deep history. Discover samurai armor and hidden Christian relics, then enjoy sweeping views of Mount Unzen and the city.

Reconstructed in 1962
Iwakuni Castle (岩国城), rebuilt in 1962 atop Mount Shiroyama, overlooks the scenic Nishiki River. Step inside to discover samurai treasures, learn about the famed Kintaikyo Bridge, and enjoy breathtaking views.

Reconstructed in 1933
Gujo Hachiman Castle (郡上八幡城), gracefully rebuilt in 1933, overlooks the charming town from a forested hill. Visit in autumn to witness brilliant maple foliage and enchanting night illuminations.

Reconstructed in 1966
Okayama Castle (岡山城), known as the striking “Crow Castle,” was beautifully rebuilt in 1966. Discover samurai history, craft your own Bizen pottery, and take in stunning riverside views of Korakuen Garden.

Reconstructed in 1959
Kokura Castle (小倉城), beautifully rebuilt in 1959, blends Edo elegance with modern city charm. Discover samurai history, wander through its serene garden, and admire breathtaking cherry blossoms in spring.

Reconstructed in 1966, renewed in 2022
Fukuyama Castle (福山城), beautifully rebuilt in 1966 and renewed in 2022, stands proudly beside Fukuyama Station. Discover samurai heritage, stroll under spring blossoms, and admire sweeping city and sea views.

Reconstructed in 1954
Toyama Castle Park (富山城址公園) offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city. Explore the 1954-rebuilt castle, discover samurai history, and admire cherry blossoms and tranquil gardens in spring.

Reconstructed in 1968
Echizen Ōno Castle (越前大野城), beautifully rebuilt in 1968, appears to float above the mist as Japan’s enchanting “Castle in the Sky.” Discover samurai history, take in mountain views, and wander Ōno’s charming old town.

Palace Style Castle
Nijo Castle (二条城), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies the elegance of Japan’s shogun era. Stroll across its chirping “nightingale floors,” marvel at golden screens, and enjoy cherry blossoms in spring.

Former Castle Ruins
Takeda Castle (竹田城跡), known as Japan’s enchanting “Castle in the Sky,” sits high above Asago City. Visit at sunrise in autumn to witness it drift on a sea of clouds and take in awe-inspiring mountain views.

Former Castle Ruins
Nakagusuku Castle (中城), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodies the spirit of Okinawa’s Ryukyu Kingdom. Stroll along its majestic stone walls, enjoy stunning bay views, and step into centuries of island history.

Former Castle Ruins
The Imperial Palace East Gardens (皇居東御苑) provide a serene retreat in the heart of Tokyo. Wander through the historic remains of Edo Castle, admire moats and stone walls, and enjoy colorful seasonal gardens.

Palace Style Castle
Kanazawa Castle (金沢城), former seat of the mighty Maeda Clan, captivates with beautifully restored gates and turrets. Wander its grand wooden halls, relax in Gyokuseninmaru Garden, and relive the elegance of Edo Japan.

Former Castle Ruins
Nakijin Castle Ruins (今帰仁城跡), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unveil the rich legacy of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Wander along majestic stone walls, surrounded by lush forests and sweeping island views.

Former Castle Ruins
Tsuwano Castle Ruins (津和野城跡) perch high above the charming town of Tsuwano. Take a scenic chair lift, hike through lush forest trails, and admire sweeping views from the castle’s ancient stone walls.

Former Castle Ruins
Tottori Castle Ruins (鳥取城跡) rise above the city on Mount Kyusho’s slopes, offering history and scenic beauty. Wander through old stone walls, admire spring cherry blossoms, and explore the graceful Jinpukaku mansion nearby.

Palace Style Castle
Aoba Castle (青葉城), built by Date Masamune in 1600, overlooks Sendai from scenic Mount Aoba. Discover samurai history through castle ruins, VR exhibits, and the iconic statue of the “One-Eyed Dragon.”

Palace Style Castle
Takaoka Castle Park (高岡古城公園) offers a serene escape of moats, shrines, and 1,000 cherry trees. Cruise the springtime waters, wander scenic paths, and uncover the samurai legacy of old Takaoka.

Palace Style Castle
Honmaru Goten (本丸御殿), the elegant remnant of Kawagoe Castle, brings samurai history to life. Wander tatami-lined halls, explore Edo-period exhibits, and step into the refined world of feudal Japan.

Former Castle Ruins
Hagi Castle (萩城), former seat of the Mori Clan, lies within tranquil Shizuki Park. Wander its stone ruins, savor the calm of nature, and hike Mount Shizuki for sweeping views of Hagi and the sea.

Palace Style Castle
Sumpu Castle (駿府城), built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, anchors a serene park in central Shizuoka. Walk through its restored gates, unwind in Momijiyama Garden, and savor matcha amid timeless tranquility.

Palace Style Castle
Fukuoka Castle (福岡城跡), once Kyushu’s mightiest fortress, crowns Maizuru Park with historic charm. Wander ancient stone walls, admire spring cherry blossoms, and uncover the legacy of the Kuroda clan.

Palace Style Castle
Takamatsu Castle (高松城), also called Tamamo Castle, enchants visitors with its rare seawater moats by the Seto Inland Sea. Wander historic gates, enjoy tranquil gardens, and relive centuries of samurai heritage.