By visiting famous Japanese castles you can immerse yourself in the atmospheric culture of antiquity that once reigned in the Land of the Rising Sun. The appearance and interior decoration of buildings surprise with their energy, and do not leave any traveler indifferent.
Here is the list of TOP 7 Japanese castles worth exploring in 2024. In this travel guide you can find details about the best ways to explore the palaces, working hours, how to get there and more.
Matsumoto Castle
The two main towers of the castle were built to perform a defensive function. Another Matsumoto tower was created for a ceremonial purpose: to contemplate the moon.
This ancient building is also called the “black crow castle”. It is located just three hours from the capital of the country, Tokyo. Matsumoto Castle is one of the most famous Japanese castles among travelers.
And there is nothing surprising here: after all, having plunged first into the progressive Tokyo atmosphere, then tourists want to visit something ancient, fanned by the spirit of archaism.
Matsuyama Castle
The building is located on top of a large hill. But it will be easy for travelers to get to the building, as there is a lift here. The territory of Matsuyama Castle contains a whole ensemble of buildings made in the traditional style. The foundation was laid at the beginning of the 17th century.
Some towers, unfortunately, were burned down during a fire that occurred in the middle of the 20th century; some of the buildings were destroyed during the times of World War II.
But since 1966, this Japanese castle has been diligently restored, so now its magnificent view attracts fans of Japanese culture from all over the world.
Odawara
Built back in 1418, this castle has repeatedly taken part in military battles and sieges. Initially, Odawara castle was surrounded by a moat and a high earthen rampart, which turned it into an almost impregnable fortress. Now Odawara has the status of a national cultural monument and one of the famous Japanese castles, that is a must-visit.
There is a park on the territory of the castle, which is a favorite spot for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan. Some trees were planted as early as 1920.
The castle can be reached from Tokyo. The journey will take about 35 minutes.
Osaka castle
One of the most impressive historical buildings in Japan. Osaka castle occupies a huge area – about 1 square kilometer. This is one of the must-visit places in Osaka. The building was founded in the 16th century; its main purpose was to protect trade roads from attack.
Osaka castle was originally planned as the center of the great Toyotomi clan; however, in 1615 the building came under the rule of the Tokugawa.
In the past, the castle was literally filled with gold, to which Toyotomi himself was very partial. Some of Osaka’s interior rooms were entirely decorated in gold.
Himeji Castle
This is practically the only historical building in Japan that was not affected by destruction due to war or earthquake. Himeji has another poetic name – “White Heron Castle“, or “White Castle”.
Himeji is now under UNESCO protection. The castle consists of 83 buildings, most of which are made from wood. Not far from the main building there is a special courtyard called “hara-kiri-maru”.
It was here that the valiant samurai were supposed to commit hara-kiri – ritual suicides. But according to the researchers, in fact, nothing like this happened in the hara-kiri maru.
One of the most exciting activities for travelers is to walk through the intricate labyrinths of Himeji. They were created specifically to mislead enemies.
Hirosaki Castle
The castle was built in the end of the 17th century, and initially it was an ensemble of 12 buildings. Only 8 of them have survived to this days. The main feature of Hirosaki is a beautiful park that attracts tourists during the cherry blossom season.
Edo Castle
It was built in the 15th century, but Edo reached its heyday after a change of ownership that occurred in 1868. Then Emperor Meiji himself came here from Kyoto. Currently, the external part of the ensemble is available for visits – these are towers, a bridge and a park.
You can see the inner complex of Edo only twice a year – on December 23, when the birthday of the current emperor is celebrated, and on January 2, in honor of the New Year.
Other Japanese Castles
Many other castles in Japan also deserve attention:
- Gifu. It is located at an altitude of about 329 m above sea level.
- Nagoya. An ancient castle located in the area of the same name.
- Inuyama. It is located on a hill overlooking the Kiso River. Considered the oldest building in all of Japan. Inuyama Castle was founded in 1440.
- “Carp Castle” . Located in Hiroshima district. During the war it was destroyed, but in our time the building was completely restored.
- Nijo. This castle is located in Kyoto. Included in the list of national treasures of Japan.
Also worth a visit is Hikone Castle, located in the Shiga region. The building began to be built in 1603. In 1952, he became part of the national heritage of the country.
