- Life & Culture
The Top 8 Castles to Visit in Japan
If you’re visiting Japan, you won’t want to miss its many Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. The foundations of many Japanese customs come from these tranquil and old religious sites.
Yet, although less in number, an important part of Japan’s rich culture is its beautiful castles!
Why are castles in Japan a big deal?
- Japanese castles are integral to the country’s feudal history, serving as strongholds of samurai culture and as military bases during wartime
- They’re renowned for their architectural beauty, showcasing intricate tile roofs, ancient wooden structures, and steadfast stone foundations
- Many historic artefacts and artworks are found in Japanese castles, offering an insight into Japan’s rich culture and distinctive aesthetic style
- Castles are some of Japan’s most beloved tourist destinations, bringing people from around the world and contributing to local economies
Some of these castles you may recognise, while others are considered hidden gems. Yet all are important and worth seeing next time you find yourself moving through Japan.
From strongholds of Japanese history to picturesque beauty spots, here are 8 castles in Japan our teachers at Interac love to visit.
Not much remains of Kagoshima Castle now, but it was a castle with an interesting history.
Yoshihiro Shimazu of the Satsuma Han built the castle in 1601, after Satsuma lost the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. History says the castle was quite small and poor in design, so as not to incur the wrath of the shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.
Although, the castle would escape the wrath of Ieyasu, it did not escape conflict altogether. Large earthquakes, fires, and even termites destroyed it several times. Now it is the ruins of fascinating times.
7) Matsue Castle “The Black Castle”
Matsue Castle – 1-5 Tonomachi, Matsue, Shimane 690-0887
Matsue Castle, also known as the ‘Black Castle’, is in Shimane prefecture. Built in 1611, and built to withstand many battles, it has never seen a war.
It is also one of the 12 castles in Japan to still be standing on its original foundation.
The castle itself is a 30-minute walk from Matsue station, and admission is 670 yen (castle only) or 1090 yen (also including the Hearn museum and either the Hearn residence or Samurai residence).
You can also take a boat cruise around the moat with a tour guide.
6) Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle – 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga 522-0061
Hikone castle in Shiga prefecture is another of the 12 Japanese castles on their original structure.
Many of these castles were demolished during the Meiji period. But, the emperor himself asked to spare Hikone. It is also one of only five castles that is known as a national treasure in Japan.
The other castles include Matsue, Himeji, Matsumoto, and Inuyama. To get to this castle, you have to pass through a spiral zig-zag path. While you are walking to the castle this way, you can see the military design.
It is also quite close to Kyoto, and in spring is a popular spot to see cherry blossoms.
To get to Hikone Castle is simple. From Hikone station, head straight towards the castle for about 10-15 minutes. Admission is 800 yen for the castle and garden or 1200 for the castle garden, and museum.
5) Okayama Castle
Okayama Castle – 2 Chome-3-1 Marunouchi, Kita Ward, Okayama, 700-0823
Located in Okayama Prefecture, Okayama Castle is not an original but a replica (the original building except for one turret was destroyed in WW2).
Nevertheless, the building is beautiful and sports a brilliant view of the Okayama prefecture.
For all you history buffs, this castle was first built in 1597 in the Azuchi-momoyama style. The castle’s original owner was Hidei Ukita (a Hideyoshi loyalist) but the rights were lost after the battle of Sekigahara. The castle was then inherited by the Ikdea clan who later added the Korakuen gardens.
Reaching Okayama castle by leg is somewhat of a trip, about 30-35 minutes walk west of Okayama station, but it’s worth it for the view! Admission is around 580 yen to access the castle and garden.
4) Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle – Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014
Odawara Castle is a symbol of Odwara City. The Hojo Clan built the castle in the mid-15th century. They used it as a fortress to control the surrounding region. Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his forces attacked and took control of the castle.
The castle is not original and is actually in its 3rd (4th) iteration. An earthquake destroyed the first in 1703 and in 1890 the castle was dismantled and sold.
In 1964 the Japanese government rebuilt the castle, using drawings from Edo period.
In 2016 the castle opened to the public. Many visitors come and enjoy this castle for its wonderful history, and amazing cherry blossoms. A trip to Odawara castle is a simple 10-minute walk from Odawara station, with admission at a low 510 yen.
3) Goryoukaku Castle
Goryokaku Castle – 44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001
The Goryokaku castle is in Hakodate, Hokkaido. It was the first castle built with western fortifications in mind. As a result, the shape of the castle is an incredible star, or pentagon-like shape.
The masterminds behind this development were Ayasaburo Takeda and the French military engineer Vauban.
The castle would see a battle when the remnants of the Tokugawa shogunate and Shinsengumi would challenge the imperial armies at the end of the Boshin War.
Goryokaku castle is a 10-minute walk from “Goryokaku Koen Mae” station, with admission at 900 yen.
2) Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle – 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002
Toyotomi Hideyoshi began constructing the castle in 1583. The castle would serve as the main stronghold for his new unified Japan. At the time, it was the largest castle Japan had seen.
In 1615 Ieyasu Tokugawa’s forces destroyed the castle. The castle was rebuilt, but in 1665 it was destroyed again by a lightning strike. Finally, it was rebuilt again in 1931 and survived the air raids of WW2.
Osaka Castle is yet another popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms in Kansai. It also hosts many events, such as the annual Osaka Castle Festival in the summer.
To access the Osaka castle, go to the Osakajokoen station on the JR line. It will cost you 600 yen in admission to enter.
1) Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle – 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012
Finally, one of our favourite castles in Japan is Himeji Castle. Built in 1601 on the site of a former castle, this hill castle consists of 83 buildings.
The buildings are in a complex and are connected by a series of stairs, staircases, halls, corridors and other structures.
The fortress is also called “White Heron Castle” because its white-plastered towers resemble snow-capped little egrets. The main tower is a six-storey structure visible from almost every place in Himeji City.
This castle is another one of the 12 built on its original foundations, and it’s considered the best-preserved castle in Japan.
You can access Himeji Castle from Himeji station and a 10-minute walk. The admission to enter the castle is 100 yen.
Want to check out these castles as a local? They make a great day out if you’re visiting Japan, or a school trip destination if you’re teaching English in Japan as an ALT.
Whichever you choose, you’ll learn more about Japan’s vibrant history of castles and fortresses, and get plenty of opportunities for photos.
Interested in living and working in Japan? Check out ALT jobs with Interac here.
About the Author
Brian McDonough is a consultant at Interac, Japan’s largest provider of ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers). Originally from the US, Brian has lived in Japan for over 25 years, giving him a unique perspective on the cultural differences and challenges people face when moving to Japan. He has first-hand experience of working in Japan as an American.