Japanese castles are magnificent structures reflecting historical and cultural values. Constructed primarily during the Warring States and Edo periods, these castles were built by regional lords and warriors to defend their territories and served as political and military hubs. Key features of Japanese castles include the main keep (tenshukaku), situated in the main enclosure and housing the lord’s residence and watchtower, secondary enclosures (ninomaru and sannomaru) with gardens and residences surrounding the main enclosure, fortifications like moats and stone walls for defense, and gates and turrets serving as entrance points and defensive positions. Japanese castles offer glimpses into the country’s history and architectural culture, attracting tourists as popular landmarks. Many castles host museums providing insights into the era’s atmosphere and the lives of samurai. While each castle has its unique characteristics and historical background, I’d like to share my subjective ranking.
１．Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle is a Japanese national treasure known as the ‘Black Castle.’ With its beautiful posture and historical value, it preserves the original keep from the Warring States period. As one of the twelve existing castle towers and part of the five national treasure castles, Matsumoto Castle is surrounded by Matsumoto Castle Park, offering picturesque views against the backdrop of the Northern Alps. The castle features historical exhibits providing deep insights into Japan’s samurai culture and the significance of castles.
２．Inuyama Castle
Inuyama Castle, designated a national treasure, is a historic Japanese castle located in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture. Constructed during the Warring States period, its distinctive ‘Inuyama black walls’ contribute to its unique beauty. The castle includes a keep, turrets, and gardens, with designated important cultural properties and national treasures scattered throughout. Inuyama Castle harmonizes with the surrounding town, making it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts to enjoy the scenic views of Inuyama.
３．Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle, located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is a Japanese castle designated as a national treasure. Built by Lord Matsudaira during the early Edo period, the five-story, six-layered keep stands gracefully with impressive stone walls and moats showcasing its formidable defense. Known as the ‘castle of stone walls,’ Matsue Castle exhibits historical structures and materials within its premises. The surrounding park and gardens provide diverse seasonal landscapes, making it a popular tourist spot.
４．Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle, situated in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is a Japanese castle designated as a national treasure. Also known as ‘Kinkaku-ji Castle,’ it was initiated by Ii Naokatsu and completed over two decades. The castle’s distinctive keep is aesthetically pleasing, capturing the fascination of foreign visitors. As the ancestral home of the Ii clan, Hikone Castle stands as a historical and beautiful testament among Japan’s national treasure castles.
５．Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle, a national treasure in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, is also known as the ‘White Heron Castle.’ Renowned for its rich history and beauty, especially its brilliant white exterior, it was constructed by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period. With its impressive stone walls, moats, and concentric castle layouts, Himeji Castle was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
６．Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle, located in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, is a historic Japanese castle designated as a national treasure. Founded by the first Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, it underwent various renovations, presenting the iconic ‘Golden Shachihoko’ and beautiful green roofs. The castle grounds include a garden and moats, offering a captivating historical and cultural experience. The main and second baileys showcase exquisite palaces and serve as museums, providing insights into Nagoya’s history.
７．Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle, situated in Chuo Ward, Osaka City, was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Warring States period. Although the main tower was reconstructed by the Tokugawa shogunate after a fire, it stands as a symbol of Osaka. Notable for its imposing castle fortifications, moats, gates, and the five-layered main keep, Osaka Castle is renowned for its historical significance and panoramic views from its spacious plaza.
８．Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a Japanese castle built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the early 17th century. Featuring the ‘Ninomaru Palace’ and ‘Ninomaru Garden,’ it is renowned for its exquisite gardens and palace architecture. The Ninomaru Palace, designated as an important cultural property, captivates visitors with vibrant colors and traditional architectural styles. Nijo Castle preserves historical elements such as stone walls, moats, bridges, and gates, attracting visitors with its cultural and historical significance.
９．Wakayama Castle
Wakayama Castle, situated in Wakayama City, was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Warring States period. Perched on a hill overlooking the sea, the castle boasts an elegant and commanding presence. With an elevation of approximately 70 meters, the castle complex includes the main enclosure, secondary enclosures, a keep, and beautiful stone walls and moats. The panoramic views from the keep, especially of Wakayama Bay and the Kii Strait, add to its allure. The castle premises feature exhibits related to history and culture, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the region’s heritage and the history of its feudal lords.
１０．Okazaki Castle
Okazaki Castle, located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, was built during the Warring States period, initially by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later becoming a key base for the Matsudaira clan under Tokugawa Ieyasu. As a hilltop castle without a main keep, Okazaki Castle is characterized by its turrets, gates, moats, and notably, the massive ‘Flying Stone Wall.’ The castle houses a historical museum with exhibits covering the Sengoku period to the Edo period, making it a significant tourist attraction introducing local history and culture.”
１１．Hirosaki Castle
Hirosaki Castle is a Japanese castle located in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, built in the early Edo period. Constructed by Tsugaru Nobuhira, a vassal of Tokugawa Ieyasu, it underwent several renovations over the years. While the main keep was unfortunately lost, the castle grounds feature beautiful turrets, moats, and gardens, particularly famous for cherry blossoms. Hirosaki Castle houses historical structures and exhibits, functioning as a museum open to the public. The picturesque stone walls, bridges, and seasonal landscapes contribute to a delightful experience, offering visitors a chance to enjoy both history and nature.
１２．Sendai Castle
Sendai Castle, situated in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, was established by Date Masamune in the early Edo period. Completed in the early 17th century, it served as the base for the powerful Date clan. Nestled on a lush plateau, the castle complex includes the main keep, secondary enclosure, and third enclosure with notable structures like the main hall and turrets. Sendai Castle is renowned for its cherry blossoms, celebrated during the spring festival. The surrounding town has developed, preserving traditional streetscapes and culture, making it a symbol of local pride.
１３．Aizu Wakamatsu Castle
Aizu Wakamatsu Castle, located in Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, is a historic Japanese castle founded by Gamo Ujisato in the early Edo period. With its distinctive five-story keep, the castle compound comprises the main enclosure, secondary enclosure, and third enclosure, surrounded by impressive stone walls and moats. Completed in 1596 and later reconstructed after the Keicho-Fushimi Earthquake, the castle boasts a significant historical legacy, highlighted by the iconic “Fudo Yagura” turret. Aizu Wakamatsu Castle features a historical museum, offering visitors insights into the region’s history and culture.
１４．Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle, located in Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a historic Japanese castle constructed by Hojo Soun during the Sengoku period. Distinguished by its robust stone walls and impressive main keep, the castle grounds include the main enclosure, secondary enclosure, third enclosure, and turrets, complemented by beautiful gardens. Serving as the base for Hojo Ujimasa, it fell during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign but was later rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Odawara Castle harmoniously combines historical significance and architectural splendor, making it a beloved tourist attraction. The castle features museums and exhibition spaces, providing visitors with a glimpse into its rich history and culture.
１５．Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is a historic castle located in Kumamoto City, Japan, built by Kato Kiyomasa in the early Edo period. Known as the ‘Castle of Kumamoto,’ it features beautiful stone walls, moats, and an impressive main keep. The castle played a significant role in various historical events from the Warring States period to the end of the Edo era. Although partially damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, ongoing restoration efforts showcase its splendid appearance. Kumamoto Castle is celebrated for its historical significance and scenic beauty, attracting numerous tourists and history enthusiasts. The castle premises include museums and exhibition rooms, offering visitors a chance to delve into rich history and culture.
１６．Iwakuni Castle
Iwakuni Castle, situated in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is a historical Japanese castle originally built by the Mōri clan during the Warring States period. However, the current main keep is a reconstruction from 1962. The castle is renowned for the beautiful stone bridge called Kintai-kyo, representing one of Iwakuni’s iconic landmarks. From the main keep, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and Kintai-kyo, surrounded by picturesque landscapes throughout the seasons. The castle hosts historical exhibits and materials, providing visitors with insights into Iwakuni Castle’s history and the region’s attractions. Iwakuni Castle not only serves as a historical fortress but also captivates tourists with the scenic beauty of its surroundings.
１７．Takeda Castle
Takeda Castle Ruins, located in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, are renowned for their intricate stone walls and breathtaking scenery. Constructed during the Warring States period, the castle’s main keep no longer stands, but the remnants of stone walls and earthworks convey its historical charm. Despite being abandoned around 1600, the site gained popularity as the “Castle in the Sky” due to the ethereal sea of clouds that appears in late autumn. Often referred to as the “Machu Picchu of Japan,” Takeda Castle Ruins attract visitors seeking both historical and natural wonders.
１８．Shuri Castle
Shuri Castle holds great historical and cultural significance on Okinawa Island. Built in the 15th century, it served as the political and cultural center of the Ryukyu Kingdom. Recognizable by its distinctive red-tiled roofs, the castle boasts beautiful gardens, stone walls, and palace structures. Destroyed during World War II, it was reconstructed in the post-war era. The castle houses exhibits on the history and culture of the Ryukyu Kingdom, featuring reconstructions of the royal palace and ceremonies. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, Shuri Castle stands as a key tourist destination, sharing the lessons of history and the allure of Okinawan culture.
１９．Ueda Castle
Ueda Castle, located in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, is a historic castle dating back to the Warring States period. Known as the stronghold of the Sanada clan, particularly figures like Sanada Masayuki and Sanada Yukimura. While the main keep no longer exists, the preserved stone walls, turrets, and gates are designated as important cultural properties. Perched on Mount Ueda at an elevation of 582 meters, the castle site offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, making it a popular tourist destination. The castle hosts a historical museum, showcasing the history of Ueda Domain and exhibits related to the Sanada clan. Ueda Castle attracts history enthusiasts and tourists alike, providing a glimpse into the Sengoku period.
２０．Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle, located in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, is a Japanese castle constructed during the Warring States period. Built by Oda Nobunaga’s retainer Hashiba Hideyoshi, later known as Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Though the main keep no longer stands, the castle site offers a commanding view of Gifu City and the distant Hida Mountains. The castle grounds, transformed into a park, are known for their cherry blossoms. The castle site includes a historical museum, allowing visitors to explore Gifu’s history and the atmosphere of the Warring States period. Gifu Castle stands as a symbol of the local community, welcoming numerous tourists fascinated by its historical and scenic appeal.