Castles
Japan is home to some of the world’s most iconic castles, where history, culture, and striking architecture come together. From Himeji Castle, celebrated for its elegant white façade, to the reconstructed Osaka Castle, each site offers a unique window into Japan’s feudal past. Whether perched atop rugged hills or nestled within modern cities, these castles stand as enduring symbols of power and heritage. Visitors can wander through ancient stone walls, stroll serene castle gardens, and climb watchtowers that have witnessed centuries of history.
Top Castles
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1Himeji CastleJapan’s most beautiful, original castle
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2Matsumoto CastleIconic Japanese castle with cherry blossoms
3Nijo CastleHistoric shogun residence with beautiful gardens
4Matsuyama Castle (Bitchu-Takahashi)Oldest surviving mountaintop castle in Japan
5Takeda Castle RuinsFloating castle in autumn clouds
6Shuri CastleRyukyu Kingdom history, UNESCO, stunning architecture
7Matsue CastleHistoric black castle with original keep
8Hikone CastleOriginal keep and breathtaking cherry blossoms
9Kumamoto CastleHistoric charm and stunning cherry blossoms
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10Matsuyama Castle (Bitchu-Takahashi)Oldest surviving mountaintop castle in Japan
11Hirosaki CastleCherry blossoms and historical castle
12Nakagusuku CastleUNESCO World Heritage Gusuku site
13Inuyama CastleOne of Japan's oldest surviving castles
14Osaka CastleReplica of the original castle
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15Kochi CastleOne of Japan's original castles
16Tsuruga CastleHistoric samurai castle with scenic park
17Nagoya CastleFamous for its historical Tokugawa legacy
18Kanazawa CastleHistoric castle, beautiful gardens, reconstructed structures
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19Ueno CastleWooden reconstruction and tallest stone walls
20Ozu CastleAuthentic reconstruction with wooden techniques
21Nakijin CastleUNESCO ruins, lush surroundings, rich history
22Hirado CastlePanoramic views, samurai-era artifacts
23Maruoka CastleOriginal castle with cherry blossom views
24Odawara CastleCherry blossoms, Ninja Museum, Samurai armor
25Marugame CastleHistoric castle with cherry blossoms
26Uwajima CastleOriginal Edo-period castle, scenic views
27Hiroshima CastleHistoric castle, atomic bomb survival
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28Tsuwano Castle RuinsHistoric ruins, scenic panoramic views
29Iwakuni CastleScenic views, samurai artifacts, historic bridges
30Shimabara CastleEdo castle, samurai district, colorful canals
31Tottori Castle RuinsCherry blossoms, historic castle ruins
32Gujo Hachiman CastleHistoric hilltop castle, autumn leaves
33Aoba CastleHistoric castle with scenic views
34Okayama CastleHistoric castle, Bizen-yaki pottery, Korakuen
35Honmaru Goten (Kawagoe Castle)Historic castle palace with samurai history
36Fukuyama CastleUnique castle design, cherry blossoms
37Kokura CastleCastle, cherry blossoms, historical gardens
38Takaoka Castle ParkCherry blossoms, castle ruins, and history
39Hagi CastleHistoric castle ruins and scenic park
40Fukuoka Castle RuinsHistoric castle ruins and cherry blossoms
41Toyama Castle ParkCherry blossoms, samurai history, scenic park
Reviews
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5/5 - Excellent
Japan's castles are a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich history and culture. From the iconic Himeji Castle with its stunning white facade to the reconstructed grandeur of Osaka Castle, each one tells a unique story. I particularly loved exploring Matsumoto Castle, known for its beautiful black exterior and surrounding moat. Many castles have beautifully landscaped gardens and offer stunning views, making the visit even more enjoyable. Whether you're a history buff or just appreciate impressive architecture, Japan's castles are a must-see!
8 months ago — by Wesley
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