Japan's Iconic Castles: Your Ultimate Bucket List

If you've ever dreamt of stepping back in time, wandering through ancient halls where samurai once strode, or gazing upon landscapes that have witnessed centuries of dramatic history, then the medieval castles of Japan are calling your name! Forget the image of heavy stone fortresses you might picture from Europe; Japanese castles are a league of their own – elegant, ingenious, and utterly captivating. Read on to discover 12 of the most iconic.

Jump to:

(1) A glimpse into Japan's feudal past

(2) Himeji

(3) Matsumoto

(4) Matsue

(5) Bitchu-Matsuyama

(6) Matsuyama, Ehime

(7) Shuri, Okinawa

(8) Osaka

(9) Kumamoto

(10) Hirosaki

(11) Ueno, Iga

(12) Shimabara

(13) Hikone

(14) FAQ

Himeji castle in Hyogo prefecture comes into its own in spring when the cherry tree groves burst into blossom

A glimpse into Japan's feudal past

Sadly, although the Japanese landscape was once dotted with these magnificent structures, many faced unfortunate fates. After the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate and the end of the Warring States period, many castles were dismantled to consolidate power. The Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, which saw the end of the samurai era, led to further demolition. And then, heartbreakingly, World War II bombings tragically destroyed many of the remaining ones, leaving behind only ruins or foundations.

Only a handful of original castle keeps (the main tower) remain, offering a rare glimpse into authentic samurai-era architecture. These are true national treasures. Many others are careful reconstructions (often in concrete, though some very impressive wooden ones exist!), built to revive the castle's spirit and serve as museums.

Your ultimate dozen: 12 Iconic Japanese castles to explore

1. Himeji Castle (Hyogo Prefecture)

• Location: Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture

• Age/Era: Original keep, dating back to the early 17th century (though a fortress stood here much earlier). It’s one of Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

• Why it's iconic: Often called the "White Heron Castle" (Shirasagi-jo) due to its brilliant white exterior and elegant, soaring eaves that resemble a bird taking flight. Himeji is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful of Japan's surviving original castles. It boasts an intact main keep and over 80 other structures, showcasing an incredibly complex and well-preserved defensive system. It was never destroyed by war or natural disaster, making it a truly rare gem. Walking through its labyrinthine paths designed to confuse invaders is an experience in itself!

  
  

  

2. Matsumoto Castle (Nagano Prefecture)

• Location: Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture.

• Age/Era: Original keep, built in the late 16th century.

• Why it's iconic: Known as the "Crow Castle" (Karasu-jo) because of its striking black exterior, Matsumoto Castle stands majestically against the backdrop of the Japanese Alps. It's one of five castles in Japan designated as a National Treasure (along with Himeji, Hikone, Inuyama, and Matsue). Its unique structure includes two main keeps (a large and a smaller one) and several turrets, giving it a distinctive silhouette. The steep wooden stairs inside will give your calves a workout, but the views from the top are absolutely worth it. It’s also famous for its vibrant cherry blossom views in spring.

  
  

  

3. Matsue Castle (Shimane Prefecture)

• Location: Matsue, Shimane Prefecture.

• Age/Era: Original keep, completed in 1611.

• Why it's iconic: Standing proudly in the "Land of the Gods," Matsue Castle is another of Japan's precious original keeps and a designated National Treasure. Its dark, imposing exterior gives it a powerful presence, earning it the nickname "Plover Castle" (Chidori-jo). Unlike many castles, Matsue's keep still retains its original wooden interior, offering a truly authentic glimpse into its past. You can even take a leisurely boat ride around its moats, providing a unique perspective of this impressive structure, especially beautiful during sunset.

4. Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle (Okayama Prefecture)

• Location: Takahashi, Okayama Prefecture.

• Age/Era: Original keep (reconstructed in the Edo period), but the castle's history dates back to the 13th century. The current main keep was rebuilt in 1840.

• Why it's iconic: Get ready for a bit of a hike! Bitchu-Matsuyama Castle is Japan's highest mountain castle, perched dramatically atop Mount Gagyu at an elevation of 430 meters. This location earned it the nickname "Castle in the Sky," especially when morning fog creates an ethereal sea of clouds around its base – a truly breathtaking sight! While its keep is smaller than others, its remote, defensible location and unique atmosphere make it incredibly special. It feels like stepping into a hidden fortress of old.

5. Matsuyama Castle (Shikoku, Ehime Prefecture)

• Location: Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture (Shikoku Island).

• Age/Era: Original keep, rebuilt in the mid-19th century after a lightning strike.

• Why it's iconic: Confusingly, Japan has two famous Matsuyama Castles! This one, on Shikoku, is one of Japan's 12 original castle keeps and boasts a fantastic hilltop location providing panoramic views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. It's a grand construction with extensive defensive walls and multiple turrets. You can reach the top via ropeway or chairlift, making for a scenic ascent before you even start exploring the well-preserved complex. Its scale and the views make it a highly rewarding visit.

6. Shuri Castle (Okinawa Prefecture)

• Location: Naha, Okinawa.

• Age/Era: Originally built in the 14th century, but the main structures were extensive reconstructions, with the main hall completed in 1992. Sadly, a major fire in 2019 destroyed much of it again, but reconstruction efforts are ongoing.

• Why it's iconic: Shuri Castle is distinctly different from mainland Japanese castles, reflecting its unique history as the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom (which had strong ties with China and Southeast Asia before becoming part of Japan). Its vibrant red colour, distinct architectural style, and intricate decorative elements are testament to Okinawa's rich heritage.

7. Osaka Castle (Osaka Prefecture)

• Location: Osaka.

• Age/Era: Original castle dates to the late 16th century (built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi), but the current main keep is a concrete reconstruction from 1931, with a major renovation in 1997.

• Why it's iconic: Osaka Castle is one of Japan's most famous landmarks, a central piece in the dramatic saga of Japan's unification. While the current keep is a modern reconstruction (complete with elevators!), it stands on impressive original stone foundations and is surrounded by vast moats and beautiful gardens. The castle grounds are extensive and perfect for a stroll, especially during cherry blossom season and is a hub for events, street performers and live bands. The interior houses a museum detailing Hideyoshi's life and the castle's turbulent history, making it a key historical learning experience in a bustling city.

8. Kumamoto Castle (Kumamoto Prefecture)

• Location: Kumamoto, Kyushu.

• Age/Era: Original castle built in the early 17th century; keep largely reconstructed in 1960. Heavily damaged by earthquakes in 2016, with extensive ongoing restoration.

• Why it's iconic: Before the 2016 earthquakes, Kumamoto Castle was revered as one of Japan's most formidable and impressive castles, known for its ingenious defensive features like "musha-gaeshi" (warrior-repelling) curved stone walls. Despite the significant damage, the ongoing, meticulous restoration efforts are a sight in themselves. Visitors can often observe the highly skilled traditional artisans at work, and parts of the castle grounds and some buildings are accessible, allowing you to witness history being carefully rebuilt. It's a powerful symbol of resilience.

9. Hirosaki Castle (Aomori Prefecture)

• Location: Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture, Tohoku

• Age/Era: Original keep, built in 1810 after earlier castle structures were destroyed by lightning.

• Why it's iconic: Perched in the picturesque north, Hirosaki Castle is one of Japan's precious original keeps and a spectacle, particularly during spring. Its extensive castle park is home to over 2,600 cherry trees, making it one of Japan's absolute best cherry blossom viewing spots. The castle itself is relatively compact but charming, and its unique feature is that the keep was famously moved 70 meters in 2015 to allow for repairs to its stone foundation – a massive engineering feat!

10. Ueno Castle (Mie Prefecture)

• Location: Iga, Mie Prefecture.

• Age/Era: Main keep is a wooden reconstruction from 1935, built on a site with history stretching back to the 16th century.

• Why it's iconic: If you're fascinated by ninjas, this is your castle! Ueno Castle is situated in Iga, one of the two most famous ninja homelands. While its main keep is a wooden reconstruction, it's known for having some of Japan's highest castle walls, reaching over 30 meters! The castle grounds also house the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, where you can explore a secret ninja house, watch ninja demonstrations, and even try throwing a shuriken!

Photo courtesy of 663highland

11. Shimabara Castle (Nagasaki Prefecture)

• Location: Shimabara, Nagasaki Prefecture, Kyushu.

• Age/Era: Original castle built in the early 17th century; main keep is a concrete reconstruction from 1964.

• Why it's iconic: This castle has a powerful and poignant history. It was the site of the Shimabara Rebellion in 1637-1638, a peasant uprising, largely by Christian converts, against the feudal lord's oppressive rule. While the current keep is a reconstruction, its interior houses museums dedicated to local history, including the story of the rebellion and the region's Christian heritage. Its pristine white walls, contrasting with the dark stone base, stand against the backdrop of Mount Unzen and the Ariake Sea.

12. Hikone Castle (Shiga Prefecture)

• Location: Hikone, Shiga Prefecture (near Lake Biwa).

• Age/Era: Original keep, completed in 1622. Another of Japan's National Treasures.

• Why it's iconic: Tucked away on the shores of Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle is celebrated for its original keep and well-preserved complex, considered one of the finest feudal castles in Japan. It boasts a beautiful main keep, several turrets, and gates that have largely survived intact. The castle grounds are lovely for a stroll, particularly the Genkyu-en garden, a traditional daimyo garden designed to mimic famous scenic spots. Hikone is also famous for its adorable mascot, Hikonyan, a samurai cat that makes scheduled appearances.

  
  

Step back into history, one castle at a time

And there you have it – a dozen of Japan's most captivating castles, each ready to transport you to a different era of samurai, shoguns and a feudal way of life. Whether you're drawn to the elegant beauty of Himeji, the dark mystique of Matsumoto, or the historical echoes of Shuri, add one of these historical and architectural gems to your itinerary for a fascinating day-trip for all the family.

FAQ

1. How many castles are there in Japan?

Japan once had over 25,000 castles during the feudal era. Most were wooden fortresses lost to war, fire, or modernisation. Today, there are around 100 reconstructed castles and thousands of castle ruins or moats that mark their former locations.

2. How many original castles does Japan have?

Japan has 12 surviving original castles (genzon tenshu) whose main keeps date back to before 1868. They are: Himeji, Matsumoto, Inuyama, Hikone, Matsue, Bitchu-Matsuyama, Maruoka, Hirosaki, Matsuyama (Ehime), Uwajima, Kochi, and Marugame.

All other castles — including Osaka, Nagoya, and Hiroshima — are beautiful reconstructions, often built using the original designs.

3. What are the best castles to visit in Japan?

Here are some of Japan’s most iconic and photogenic castles:

• Himeji Castle (Hyogo): A UNESCO World Heritage Site, nicknamed the “White Heron.”

• Matsumoto Castle (Nagano): Japan’s oldest black castle.

• Hikone Castle (Shiga): Intimate and perfectly preserved.

• Osaka Castle (Osaka): Rebuilt but spectacular; features a modern museum inside.

• Matsue Castle (Shimane): One of the “12 originals,” overlooking Lake Shinji.

• Kumamoto Castle (Kyushu): Recently restored, with massive stone ramparts.

  
  

4. Is Osaka Castle worth visiting?

Definitely! Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most visited landmarks. Although reconstructed, it sits on authentic 16th-century foundations built by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Inside, you’ll find a samurai museum and panoramic viewing deck. Entry is included in the Osaka Amazing Pass. The surrounding park is stunning in spring and autumn — especially during cherry blossom season.

Have you been to one of Japan's castles? Which is your favourite and why? Tell us in the comments.