Best Castle in Japan - Original Castles

Exploring Japan's original castles is like stepping into a time capsule, where each fortress tells its own tale of samurai, shoguns, and sieges. Let's journey through these remarkable survivors from Japan’s feudal past, sprinkled with some fun facts to spice up your castle trivia!

姫路城

Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture)

Known as the "White Heron Castle," Himeji is Japan's most splendid feudal castle, thanks to its brilliant white façade and graceful, bird-like appearance. 

Built in the early 17th century, Himeji Castle has survived wars, earthquakes, and the test of time, largely due to its strategic defensive design. It was expanded by Ikeda Terumasa, a lord given the castle as a reward for his support in the Battle of Sekigahara, a pivotal conflict that unified Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate. 

Himeji Castle has a complex maze of paths leading to the main keep, originally designed to confuse invaders (and occasionally modern-day tourists!).

松本城

 

Matsumoto Castle (Nagano Prefecture)

This castle is famous for its striking black exterior, earning it the nickname "Crow Castle." Its wooden interiors and moats present a stunning example of classic Japanese castle architecture.

Constructed in the 16th century, Matsumoto Castle was a crucial fortification for the powerful Tokugawa Ieyasu. Unlike many Japanese castles, it wasn’t built on a hill but on a plain - a testament to the confidence in its defensive capabilities.

The castle's keep is a rare "hirajiro" – a flatland castle, as opposed to the more common hilltop castles in Japan.

備中松山城

Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle (Okayama Prefecture)

Perched on a mountaintop, this castle is a hidden gem known for its strategic, elevated position.

Dating back to the 14th century, this castle served as a stronghold for various samurai clans over the centuries. Its elevation provided a strategic advantage, giving defenders a panoramic view of potential threats.

It's the highest castle above sea level in Japan, offering breathtaking views and a literal breath of fresh air.

松江城

Matsue Castle (Shimane Prefecture)

Known for its imposing size, Matsue Castle’s towering structure dominates the landscape. Its dark wooden exterior adds to its grandeur.

Built in the early 17th century, Matsue Castle was an important seat of power in the Izumo region. It survived the Meiji Restoration, a period when many castles were dismantled as Japan modernized.

It’s one of the few castles in Japan where the original wooden keep still survives, rather than a concrete reconstruction.

彦根城

Hikone Castle (Shiga Prefecture)

This castle is celebrated for its well-preserved structures and elegant garden.

Hikone Castle's construction began in 1603, shortly after the Battle of Sekigahara. It's one of the few castles built by the Ii clan, an influential family in the Tokugawa shogunate.

Hikone Castle’s mascot, Hikonyan – a charming cat samurai – is a local celebrity and was created to celebrate the castle's 400th anniversary.

松山城

Matsuyama Castle (Ehime Prefecture)

With its relatively complete original structures, this castle offers a glimpse into the Edo period’s architectural style.

Built in the early 17th century, Matsuyama Castle played a significant role in the Edo period’s regional politics. Its complex design includes multiple turrets and moats, a reflection of its strategic importance.

The castle has a chairlift and a ropeway, offering a unique and modern way to ascend the hill to the castle.

弘前城

Hirosaki Castle (Aomori Prefecture)

Famous for its stunning cherry blossoms, this castle in Tohoku becomes a picturesque fairy tale during spring.

Constructed in 1611 by the Tsugaru clan, Hirosaki Castle is symbolic of the clan's power in the Tohoku region. It witnessed the tumultuous transition from feudal to modern Japan during the Meiji Restoration.

The castle's park hosts over 2,500 cherry trees, creating one of Japan's most spectacular hanami (flower viewing) spots.

犬山城

Inuyama Castle (Aichi Prefecture)

This castle claims the title of being one of Japan's oldest surviving castles, with a history dating back to the 16th century.

Dating back to 1537, Inuyama Castle is one of Japan's oldest surviving castles. It was pivotal during the Sengoku period, a time of near-constant military conflict and social upheaval in Japan.

Its main tower is a designated national treasure, and the view from the top offers a panoramic vista of the Kiso River.

高知城

Kochi Castle (Kochi Prefecture)

A rarity among Japanese castles, as most of its original buildings, including the lord's living quarters, have survived to this day.

Built in the early 1600s, Kochi Castle was the seat of the Yamauchi lords during the Edo period. It's unique for retaining both its original main keep and its lord's residence.

Kochi Castle is famous for its Tosa Matsuri, a summer festival featuring a mock battle reenactment in the castle grounds.

丸岡城

Maruoka Castle (Fukui Prefecture)

Known for its simple yet elegant structure, it's one of the twelve original castles that have survived in Japan.

Known for its "Mist Castle" legend, Maruoka Castle was built in 1576. It played a role in local conflicts during Japan’s Warring States period, changing hands between various feudal lords.

Local folklore claims that the main keep's stones are held together by a mixture of sand and the tears of mistreated workers, earning it the nickname "Castle of Mist".

丸亀城

Marugame Castle (Kagawa Prefecture)

Famous for having the smallest keep among Japan's original castles, it compensates with impressively high stone walls and a beautifully preserved moat.

Constructed in 1597, this castle was built by Ikoma Chikamasa, a daimyo (feudal lord) who pledged allegiance to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a prominent unifier of Japan.

The castle's steep stone walls are among the tallest in Japan, presenting a formidable defense in their day.

宇和島城

Uwajima Castle (Ehime Prefecture)

This hilltop castle is notable for its compact yet charming keep, offering an authentic Edo period experience.

Completed in 1601, Uwajima Castle was a crucial fortification in Shikoku. It was a key seat of power for the Date clan, a powerful samurai family in the Edo period.

Uwajima Castle is one of only twelve original castles never destroyed in war, fires, or earthquakes, a true survivor of time.

Each of these castles is a silent witness to centuries of history, from feudal battles to the unification of Japan, and eventually to the modernization of the country. Visiting them is not just about appreciating their enduring beauty but also about understanding the complex historical narratives they embody.