The great thing about Japanese castles is that each one has a different style and characteristic. Also, the history is often distinct too.
By visiting castles in Japan, you will be able to learn more about the vast history of the country. The buildings have been preserved for many centuries. While it takes a lot of effort, it is well worth it.
If you are looking to explore Japan’s castles, then take a look at this list of the best castles in Japan. You might just learn something new!
1. Nagoya Castle
Located within the Achi prefecture is Nagoya Castle. Nagoya is noted as being one of the largest cities within Japan – in fact it comes third.
The castle was originally built by shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1615. It was the residence of 16 different clans of the Tokugawa family. This spanned for more than 260 years during the Edo period.
However, in 1886 when the Meiji restoration came into play, the Imperial Household Agency claimed the castle as the imperial family’s official residence. This was the case until 1930.
The castle was affected badly during WWII and burned to the ground. Thanks to donations, it was reconstructed in 1959. Since then, it has been open to the public.
It is a great place to visit. The five floors feature stunning traditional interior designs. There is also a chance to see the gold colored ornaments of Shachi-hoko. Legend has it that it was a fish with the head of a tiger.
Hours Open: 9am to 4.30pm
Admission Price: ¥500 (adult ticket). Free for younger people.
2. Osaka Castle
The Osaka castle is said to be an iconic symbol of the area. This means that you need to check it out if you are taking a trip this way. Originally, it was created by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The man himself is well-known for unifying the whole of Japan back in 1590. While the castle was established and built a long time ago, it wasn’t until 1931 when the building was finished in its current state.
This is because the castle has suffered from terrible knockbacks. During the Edo period the castle was struck by lightning and set on fire two times.
The castle contains eight floors, with six of them being exhibitions. Here you can learn a lot about its history. You will also see traditional Japanese armor.
There is also an elevator that takes you to the eighth floor. Here you can stand on the observation deck to look over Nagoya.
Hours Open: 9am to 5pm
Admission Price: ¥600
3. Tsuruga Castle
Located within the Fukushima prefecture of the Tohoku region, the Tsuruga castle looks stunning all in white with black roofing. However, the tiles are not original and were added in 2011.
The castle is also known as ‘Aizu Wakamatsu castle’ due to it being located there. The castle’s roots come about when Ashina Naomori built a residence for himself. This was then renovated later on to become a castle.
During the Boshin war in 1868-69, it was also a battleground. This war led to the ending of the Tokugawa shogunate. Then in 1874 the castle was fully demolished.
Despite this, it was fully reconstructed in 1965. It has been constructed to look exactly like it originally did. It is worth seeing this beautiful castle and all the history that has gone on to create what it is today.
Hours Open: 8.30am to 5pm
Admission Price: ¥410 (adult ticket)
4. Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto castle is a very symbolic structure within the Kyushu region of Japan. In 1601, a warrior known as Kato Kiyomasa began building the castle. However, it took another seven years to finish it.
Its structure was huge, but sadly damaged during the civil wars of the Meiji period. Even so, by 1960 the castle had been restored. It still attracts many people due to its rich history and monstrous size.
Some of the castle is still closed however. This is due to structural damage that was brought on by an earthquake in 2016.
Hours Open: 9am to 5pm
Admission Price: ¥500 (adult ticket)
5. Nijo Castle
Based in Kyoto, Nijo castle is a well-known historical site within the Kansai region. It was originally built by Tokugawa Ieyasu. He was known as the first ever Shogun during the Tokugawa Shogunate period (1603 to 1868).
The Shogunate settled in Edo (which is now known as Tokyo). The imperial family settled in Kyoto, which was originally the capital of Japan. The Nijo castle was built to make the security better in the area.
It was also a place for the Tokugawa clan to stay when visiting. However, one of the most notable things to happen at Nijo castle was in 1868. The last Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returned the authority back to the emperor.
This put a final end to the Tokugawa Shogunate period.
Hours Open: 8.45am to 4pm
Admission Price: ¥1,030 (adult ticket)
6. Matsumoto Castle
Another historical sight that is loved by many is the Matsumoto castle based in the Nagano prefecture. It is officially registered as one of the twelve main castles within Japan.
It has a unique appeal due to its black and white exterior walls. This delights many of the visitors it attracts.
The moats, turrets and stone walls are just as fascinating. While originally they were built to keep the enemies out, now they look beautiful and peaceful.
It is also a great castle to visit during the cherry blossom season, as there are many trees ready to bloom pink petals.
Consisting of five levels, the castle itself is said to be the oldest one in the country. This in itself is a great reason to visit this wonderful castle.
Hours Open: 8.30am to 5pm
Admission Price: ¥700 (adult ticket)
7. Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki is another castle to visit during cherry blossom season. Based within the Aomori prefecture, Hirosaki castle was first constructed in 1611 by Nobuhira and Tsugaru Tamenobu.
It is known as the only original castle within the region of Tohoku. During the Edo period, it was the center for economic and political developments.
The castle that is seen today was completed in 1811 (during the Edo period), 200 years after it was first built. It is a National Important Cultural Property in Japan.
Don’t forget to take a picture of the castle while standing on the hill. On a clear day you can see the view of the mountains.
Hours Open: 9am to 5pm
Admission Price: ¥320 (adult ticket)
8. Himeji Castle
Located in Himeji City within the Hyogo prefecture, Himeji castle is iconic across Japan. It is also known as Shiasagi Castle. This is because the castle has a wonderful white colored exterior and Shirasagi is a type of bird in Japanese.
In the mid 1300s, the construction of the castle was begun by Akamatsu Norimura. He was very well-known as a samurai warrior. While it wasn’t a castle at this point – and instead a fort – it is the site of the castle today.
The majority of the castle dates back to its original date, however some of it was reconstructed during the Edo period by Ikeda Terumasa.
In 1993, Himeji castle became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a beautiful castle with a vast history.
Hours Open: 9am to 4pm (April – August is 9am to 5pm)
Admission Price: ¥1,000 (adult ticket)
9. Matsue Castle
Located within Matsue city (Shimane prefecture), the Masue Castle is said to be one of the original castles – along with 11 others – in Japan.
Despite this, it does not have the same fame as other castles in the same category. For example, Hikone Castle (Shiga) and Himeji Castle (Hyogo). Even so, the castle itself is definitely worth visiting.
It is known as a National Treasure, and was finished being built in the year 1611. It has five floors and a basement. The interior of the castle is the same as it was back in the Edo period.
The grounds of the castle has a public park. You can also check out the shrines and temples located here, and have a picnic.
Hours Open: 8.30am to 6.30pm (April to September) and 8.30am to 5pm (October to May)
Admission Price: ¥470 (adult ticket)
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many castles in Japan. While some may be in areas you have heard of, others may not be. This makes the castles a great reason for you to explore new areas of Japan.
Fortunately, tourists are very welcome to explore each castle. Once you step inside, you will be transported to a time long gone. This was when Japan was very traditional, compared to today’s modern (and very Western) world.
Hopefully you have found a castle or two from the list above that you will want to explore even further.
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
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