<strong>Japan's best castles:</strong> Japan has many beautiful and historic castles, so which ones are the best to visit? Here are our picks, beginning with Hirosaki Castle in Aomori prefecture.
Japan's best castles: Japan has many beautiful and historic castles, so which ones are the best to visit? Here are our picks, beginning with Hirosaki Castle in Aomori prefecture.
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<strong>Matsumoto Castle:</strong> Matsumoto Castle, built in 1592, is one of five castles designated as National Treasures of Japan.
Matsumoto Castle: Matsumoto Castle, built in 1592, is one of five castles designated as National Treasures of Japan.
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<strong>Osaka Castle:</strong> Five-story Osaka Castle, a recreation of the original keep (which was destroyed on several occasions), is built on solid cyclopean foundations.
Osaka Castle: Five-story Osaka Castle, a recreation of the original keep (which was destroyed on several occasions), is built on solid cyclopean foundations.
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<strong>Inuyama Castle:</strong> Inuyama Castle is significant for having the oldest original tenshu (fortified tower) in Japan.
Inuyama Castle: Inuyama Castle is significant for having the oldest original tenshu (fortified tower) in Japan.
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<strong>Nijo Castle:</strong> Following the Meiji Restoration, this castle became an imperial palace.
Nijo Castle: Following the Meiji Restoration, this castle became an imperial palace.
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<strong>Hikone Castle:</strong> Completed in 1622, this castle survived the post-feudal era without undergoing destruction.
Hikone Castle: Completed in 1622, this castle survived the post-feudal era without undergoing destruction.
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<strong>Matsuyama Castle:</strong> 13th-century Bicchu Matsuyama Castle in Okayama prefecture is considered Japan's original yamajiro (mountain castle).
Matsuyama Castle: 13th-century Bicchu Matsuyama Castle in Okayama prefecture is considered Japan's original yamajiro (mountain castle).
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<strong>Edo Castle:</strong> Edo Castle was huge in its prime, surrounded by a 15-kilometer outer moat crossed by over 30 gates and bridges.
Edo Castle: Edo Castle was huge in its prime, surrounded by a 15-kilometer outer moat crossed by over 30 gates and bridges.
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<strong>Shuri Castle:</strong> Okinawa's Shuri-jo Castle is emblematic of the gusuku castle style of the old Ryukyu Kingdom.
Shuri Castle: Okinawa's Shuri-jo Castle is emblematic of the gusuku castle style of the old Ryukyu Kingdom.
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<strong>Matsue Castle:</strong> Built in the early 1600s near the shores of Lake Shinji, Matsue Castle is one of the only remaining keeps on Japan's central western coast.
Matsue Castle: Built in the early 1600s near the shores of Lake Shinji, Matsue Castle is one of the only remaining keeps on Japan's central western coast.
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<strong>Himeji Castle: </strong>This structure's nickname is "Castle of the White Heron."
Himeji Castle: This structure's nickname is "Castle of the White Heron."
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<strong>Kumamoto Castle:</strong> Following a major earthquake in 2016 and a subsequent five-year renovation, Kumamoto Castle's main keep was reopened to the public in 2021.
Kumamoto Castle: Following a major earthquake in 2016 and a subsequent five-year renovation, Kumamoto Castle's main keep was reopened to the public in 2021.
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<strong>Nagoya Castle:</strong> In Aichi prefecture, Nagoya Castle is renowned for the magnificent golden shachihoko (tiger-like fish) protruding from the top.
Nagoya Castle: In Aichi prefecture, Nagoya Castle is renowned for the magnificent golden shachihoko (tiger-like fish) protruding from the top.
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