Best Castles to Visit in Japan

Introduction

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Japan's castles are truly remarkable attractions that offer visitors a rich and varied experience. These historic structures serve as windows into Japan's fascinating feudal past, allowing people to immerse themselves in the world of samurai, warlords, and epic battles that shaped the nation's history. The architectural brilliance of these castles is immediately apparent, with their imposing stone foundations, multi-tiered wooden structures, and intricate details that showcase the pinnacle of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and engineering.

Visiting these castles provides deep insights into Japanese culture, from military strategies and feudal social structures to artistic sensibilities reflected in the castles' designs and decorations. Many castles now house museums that offer a wealth of information on local history, samurai culture, and traditional arts and crafts, making them comprehensive cultural landmarks.

The strategic locations of these castles often afford visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, cities, or waterways. This is particularly enchanting during cherry blossom season (around Spring) or Autumn, when the changing colours create stunning natural backdrops. The effort put into preserving or accurately reconstructing these castles allows visitors to step back in time and experience a more authentic representation of historical Japanese architecture.

For photography enthusiasts, Japanese castles offer endless opportunities to capture dramatic silhouettes, intricate architectural details, and the harmonious blend of man-made structures with natural surroundings. The contrast between these ancient fortresses and the modern cityscapes that often surround them creates a visually striking juxtaposition of old and new Japan.

Many castles enhance the visitor experience with guided tours, interactive exhibits, or opportunities to engage with traditional cultures, such as trying on samurai armour or participating in tea ceremonies. These hands-on experiences make history come alive and create lasting memories for visitors of all ages.

Some castles are steeped in local legends or have spiritual significance, adding an extra layer of mystique to the visitor experience. Unique features like Nijo Castle's nightingale floors or the advanced defensive designs of Himeji Castle demonstrate the ingenuity and attention to detail characteristic of Japanese architecture.

In essence, visiting Japan's castles offers a journey through time, a lesson in architecture and military strategy, a cultural immersion, and an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of both human craftsmanship and natural surroundings. These magnificent structures stand as proud reminders of Japan's rich heritage and continue to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world. Below we look at seven of the best to visit, in no particular order.

Himeji Castle

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Himeji Castle, also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white exterior, stands as a crowning achievement of Japanese architecture. Located in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to the 14th century, though its current form was completed in the early 17th century. The castle complex spans 576 meters from east to west and 546 meters from north to south, comprising 83 buildings with advanced defensive systems. Its brilliant white plastered earthen walls seem to float above the surrounding city, resembling a heron taking flight. The castle's keep is a seven-story structure, standing 46.4 meters tall, with intricate roofs, decorative ridge-end tiles, and fish-shaped roof ornaments called "shachihoko." Himeji Castle's defensive design includes maze-like paths, hidden gates, and numerous arrow loops and stone-dropping windows, making it a formidable fortress in its time.

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Matsumoto Castle

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Matsumoto Castle, situated in Nagano Prefecture, presents a striking contrast to Himeji with its black exterior, earning it the nickname "Crow Castle." Built in the late 16th century, it's one of Japan's premier historic castles and the oldest five-story castle tower. Unlike many Japanese castles built on hills or mountains, Matsumoto Castle was constructed on a plain, surrounded by a triple moat for protection. Its unique timber and stone structure features steep wooden stairs, openings to drop stones onto invaders, and gun emplacements, showcasing the transition from arrow warfare to firearms. The castle's moon-viewing room on the third floor offers beautiful views of the moon reflecting on the moat's surface.

Osaka Castle

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Osaka Castle, while largely a concrete reconstruction of the original, holds immense historical significance. The castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The current structure, built in 1931 and refurbished in 1997, still impresses with its massive stone walls and gold-leaf trim. The castle tower is five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside, housing a museum that details the castle's history. The surrounding Osaka Castle Park is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.

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Nijo Castle

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Nijo Castle in Kyoto, built in 1603, was the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. Its architecture exemplifies the social and political conditions of Japan's feudal era, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site. The castle is famous for its "nightingale floors," designed to chirp like birds when walked upon, serving as a security measure against intruders. The castle consists of two concentric rings of fortifications, each containing a palace. The Ninomaru Palace is particularly noted for its exquisite interior decorations and painted sliding doors.

Matsue Castle

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Matsue Castle, located in Shimane Prefecture, is one of only 12 original castles remaining in Japan. Completed in 1611, it's an excellent example of a feudal castle, with a complex network of walls, moats, and turrets surrounding its five-story tenshu (keep). The castle is nicknamed "plover castle" due to its wing-like shape resembling a bird taking flight. Inside, visitors can explore the dark, wooden interior and see displays of samurai armour and weapons. The top floor offers panoramic views of Lake Shinji and the surrounding city.

Kumamoto Castle

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Kumamoto Castle, situated on a hilltop in Kumamoto City, is considered one of Japan's three premier castles, alongside Himeji and Matsumoto. Although significantly damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, restoration efforts are ongoing, and parts of the castle remain open to visitors. Originally constructed in 1467 and rebuilt in 1600, the castle is renowned for its imposing black exterior and unique stone walls called "musha-gaeshi," designed to prevent enemies from climbing them. The castle's history is closely tied to the legendary samurai Kato Kiyomasa, and many of its defensive designs reflect his strategic brilliance.

Hirosaki Castle

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Hirosaki Castle, located in Aomori Prefecture, is celebrated for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, with over 2,600 cherry trees in its grounds. Built in 1611, it's a classic example of a castle with its original stone walls intact. The three-story castle tower, though small, is original and houses an interesting museum. The castle grounds include three concentric moats and earthen fortifications, along with five castle gates and three corner watchtowers. Hirosaki Castle is unique in that its main tower was moved 70 metres in 2021 to allow for restoration of its stone foundation, a feat of modern engineering applied to historical preservation.

Summary

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Each of these castles offers a unique glimpse into Japan's feudal past, showcasing the architectural ingenuity, strategic designs, and cultural significance of these historical structures. They stand as testaments to Japan's rich history and continue to captivate visitors with their beauty and stories.